Elmer T Lee, Straight Bourbon Single Barrel Sour Mash

Produced at the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, this bourbon honors the legacy of Master Distiller Elmer T. Lee, who joined the site in 1949 after serving as a radar bombardier in World War II. The whiskey is made from the distillery’s high-rye Mash Bill #2 and uses the traditional sour mash technique, where a portion of previously fermented mash is added to ensure consistency across distillations. In the glass, it presents focused notes of dried apricot, vanilla, and baking spice, delivering a full-bodied texture with a long, balanced finish of toasted oak. The 2026 40th Anniversary edition stands out as the first expression to be released uncut and unfiltered, allowing the raw intensity of the individual barrels to define its unique character. This bottling offers a rare opportunity to experience the profile Elmer T. Lee preferred when he originally pioneered the single-barrel concept, making it a significant addition for those who value historical context and depth.