Elmer T Lee Single Barrel Bourbon
Overall Score: 7.5/10
Value: 4.5/5 at MSRP, 2.5/5 at $200+
Distillery: Buffalo Trace
Classification: Straight Bourbon
Company: Sazerac Company Inc.
Release Date: Ongoing
Proof: 90
Age: NAS
Mashbill: Undisclosed
Color: Copper
MSRP: $40
The Barrel Bros’ Review
On the nose, Elmer T Lee delivers a delightful mix of bright red fruits, with hints of strawberry, peach, and orange. It is then backed by notes of burned sugar, chocolate, and even marshmallow. As it opens up, the fruit-forward profile develops more depth with subtle woodiness and classic Buffalo Trace rickhouse notes, reminiscent of old railroad ties or dusty oak barrels.
The palate maintains the sweetness of the nose but brings in layers of complexity. Notes of cherry, graham cracker, and a touch of smoke give it a rich, dessert-like profile, similar to a light yet creamy fruit pie. While the sweetness is dialed back from the nose, the flavors reveal more depth, balancing fruity and smoky notes with just a touch of oak to round things out.
The finish is where Elmer T Lee shines. Despite its modest 90 proof, it leaves a lasting impression with marshmallow sweetness, oak, and a hint of sour mash. It’s light but persistent, bringing out a creme-like quality reminiscent of the filling in a Twix bar. The finish may not carry as much punch as higher-proof bourbons, but it holds its own with a delicate balance of oak and lingering sweetness.
Elmer T Lee lives up to the hype, especially at its MSRP of around $40. It offers an impressive complexity for a 90-proof bourbon, with layers of fruit, sweetness, and oak that evolve from nose to finish.
However, if you're considering paying $200+ on the secondary market, it may be best to think twice. It’s a stellar pour but shines best when enjoyed at its retail price.
Read the individual reviews by the bourbon bro’s below!
Individual Reviews
The Rye Guy Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: at MSRP - 4/5
THE NOSE:
Immediately, just classic buffalo trace nose. It’s light and fruity with pronounced rickhouse notes.
The woodiness that is present is very well balanced, like old railroad ties. I get strawberry runts and grape laffy taffy.
THE TASTE:
The mouth feel is both light and full. The palate moves away from the light fruit and towards a cherry flavor with a bit of smokiness.
It's not as sweet as the nose presents, but that works in its favor as it reveals a more complex palate.
There is also a rich creaminess that I could not pin down.
THE FINISH:
This is where the sour mash starts to come through for me. There is a little bit of a bite along with a pronounced oak flavor.
The flavor of the rickhouse air is alive in the finish.
This is probably the weakest part of the pour, but it's hard to really complain when the proof is this low.
BUY OR PASS?
This sips like a whiskey that should be in the 120-proof point. The amount of complexity this pour provides at 90 proof is unparalleled
The Hunter Says
Score: 7.5/10
Value: at MSRP - 5/5
at secondary - 3/5
THE NOSE:
When you first nose this pour, you instantly get a large amount of bright red fruits that dances around your senses, like a carnival for your nose.
As you let it open up, orange and peach notes come waltzing in. It's like a journey through a candy shop with hints of burned sugar and chocolate, reminiscent of a tootsie roll.
Keep coming back and eventually, you may get a whisper of marshmallow.
THE TASTE:
Sweet, fruity, with just a hint of graham cracker – it's like a dessert in a glass. And that mouthfeel? Light, yet oh so satisfyingly oily.
The oak is there, but it's like the supporting actor in a great movie – just enough to add depth without stealing the show.
THE FINISH:
This finish is by far the best part of the pour. Despite its modest 90 proof, it just keeps going and going, like the energizer bunny of bourbon.
Marshmallow and sweet goodness linger, reminiscent of the creme in a Twix bar.
Trust me, the finish is where this bourbon truly shines.
BUY OR PASS?
Is Elmer T Lee worth the hype? Absolutely, especially at its $40 MSRP. But if you're considering shelling out more than $200 on the secondary market, pump the brakes. Sure, it's a stellar pour, but you’re listening to the hunter – the thrill of the hunt and the joy of snagging it at retail are part of the experience.
Overall, it's a solid 7.5 out of 10 in the grand scheme of whiskeys I've tried. So, go ahead, pour yourself a glass, and let the flavor take you on a journey. Cheers!
