Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute

Single barrel. 100 proof. A commemorative bottling honoring what would have been the 100th birthday of Elmer T. Lee — the man who started the single barrel bourbon movement.

Elmer T. Lee joined the George T. Stagg Distillery (now Buffalo Trace) in 1949 and served as Master Distiller until his retirement in 1985. In that role, he created Blanton’s Single Barrel in 1984 — widely recognized as the first commercially marketed single barrel bourbon in American history, and the release that triggered the modern premium bourbon renaissance. He continued visiting the distillery weekly to personally select barrels for his namesake expression until his passing in 2013 at the age of 93.

The 100 Year Tribute was produced to honor what would have been his 100th birthday. It uses the same mash bill and age as the standard Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel but is bottled at 100 proof rather than 90, with proceeds benefiting the Frankfort VFW Post 4075 where Lee was a longtime member. It is a fitting tribute to a man whose work shaped the entire direction of American premium whiskey.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Golden amber with warm highlights.
• Aroma: Strong vanilla, sweet caramel, light berries, apricot, and a gentle floral note — the signature Buffalo Trace profile from this mash bill.
• Palate: Maple syrup and caramel up front, a rush of vanilla and floral notes through the mid-palate, with a clean spring water texture that marks Buffalo Trace’s premium expressions.
• Finish: Long and sweet — light barrel flavors, oak tannins, and burnt sugar fading into a caramel-tinged close.

Specs

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Single Barrel
• Proof: 100 (50% ABV)
• Mash bill: Shared with Blanton’s, Rock Hill Farms, Ancient Age, Hancock’s Reserve
• Size: 750ml
• Charitable proceeds: Frankfort VFW Post 4075

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who was Elmer T. Lee? Elmer T. Lee served as Master Distiller at what is now Buffalo Trace from 1969 to 1985. He created Blanton’s Single Barrel in 1984 — the first commercially available single barrel bourbon in American history. He is credited with starting the premium bourbon movement that transformed the category in the 1990s and beyond. He continued selecting barrels for his namesake bourbon in retirement until he passed in 2013 at age 93.
• How does the 100 Year Tribute differ from the standard Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel? The 100 Year Tribute uses the same mash bill and single barrel production as the standard expression but is bottled at 100 proof rather than 90. The additional proof amplifies the vanilla and caramel character. It is also a limited commemorative release rather than an ongoing expression.
• What mash bill does Elmer T. Lee use? It shares its mash bill with several other Buffalo Trace expressions including Blanton’s, Rock Hill Farms, Ancient Age, and Hancock’s Reserve. This is Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #2, known for its balanced, fruit-forward profile with prominent vanilla and caramel.
• Where do the proceeds go? Proceeds from the 100 Year Tribute benefit the Frankfort VFW Post 4075, where Elmer T. Lee was a member until his death. It is one of the few bourbon releases directly tied to a charitable cause.