Buffalo Trace Is Releasing a Barrel Proof Elmer T. Lee Bourbon
Buffalo Trace just revealed the lineup of the 2026 Pappy Van Winkle collection, but the Kentucky distillery has some more news to share. Starting tomorrow, you will have a chance to purchase the Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition bourbon via an online lottery, the first time that this highly coveted single-barrel bourbon has been released uncut and unfiltered at cask strength. Here are the details about the whiskey and how you can enter the lottery.
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon is named after the former master distiller of the George T. Stagg Distillery, which was renamed Buffalo Trace in 1999. Lee joined Stagg in 1949 after serving in WWII, starting out as a maintenance engineer and working his way up to master distiller. He is now an important and legendary figure in the history of Kentucky bourbon, and was responsible for launching Blanton’s as the first single-barrel bourbon in 1984. Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon came out two years later to honor the man and his work at the distillery and in the industry overall.
“Elmer’s legacy is something we feel and celebrate every day at the distillery, not just in the bourbon we make, but in the way we approach our work,” said Buffalo Trace master distiller Harlen Wheatley in a statement. “His commitment to craftsmanship guided not only our future at Buffalo Trace, but it also helped set the course for American whiskey as a whole. I was fortunate to learn from Elmer early in my career, and his guidance left a lasting impression on how I approach my work. Releasing this rare whiskey in his honor is incredibly meaningful and a privilege for all of us at the distillery.”
While regular Elmer T. Lee is bottled at 90 proof, the 40th anniversary edition is uncut and unfiltered, meaning it’s bottled at barrel proof without chill filtration. That means that, depending upon the barrel, this bourbon will clock in between 124.8 to 138.6 proof, which is nearly hazmat level. “By offering it uncut and unfiltered, we’re able to highlight the depth and character of the whiskey while staying true to the standards Elmer set,” said Erica Bovard, senior brand director for American whiskey. “We think fans will love this release, and importantly, it’s one we believe Elmer would be proud of.”
As mentioned before, Buffalo Trace is instituting a new lottery system for fans who would like to secure a chance to purchase a bottle, similar to what other distilleries have done in an attempt to make a limited drop more accessible. From 10 a.m. ET tomorrow, September 15, through 11:59 p.m. ET on September 17, interested consumers can register online at the distillery’s website. On September 22, names will be selected, and the winners can buy a bottle from September 28 through October 11 in person at the distillery (SRP $100). Since this lottery system is a first for Buffalo Trace, the distillery will gather feedback about the process afterward to see how the public felt about it.
