Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey 750mL

Elmer T Lee 100 Year Tribute Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey: A Timeless Celebration of Craftsmanship

In the hallowed halls of American Kentucky whiskey, few names command the reverence of Elmer T. Lee. He was more than a master distiller; he was a visionary who forever changed the landscape of premium spirits. While his name is eternally linked to the creation of Blanton’s, the bourbon that bears his own name, Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel, is a direct tribute to his impeccable palate and generous spirit. But among these bottles, one stands as the ultimate homage: the Elmer t lee bourbon 100 Year Tribute Single Barrel Bourbon.

This special release is not just another rare bourbon; it is a liquid memorial, crafted to honor what would have been Elmer T. Lee’s 100th birthday. It captures the essence of his philosophy—that a single barrel, chosen with care and expertise, can produce a whiskey of unparalleled character. For the collector, it is a piece of history. For the drinker, it is a connection to the man who made single barrel bourbon a reality. At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we are privileged to offer such historically significant spirits. This guide is your definitive resource for understanding the Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute, from the monumental legacy of its namesake to the exquisite tasting experience it delivers.

The Man, The Myth, The Legend – The Story of Elmer T Lee discontinued

To appreciate the bourbon, you must first know the man. Elmer T. Lee’s story is a cornerstone of modern bourbon whiskey history, a tale of humility, innovation, and profound impact.

Born in 1919 on a tobacco farm in Kentucky, lee elmer t. Lee’s journey into distilling began after earning an engineering degree. He started at the George T. Stagg Distillery (now Buffalo Trace) in 1949, working his way up from maintenance to Plant Engineer, and eventually, in 1966, to Plant Manager. But his most enduring achievement came in 1984.

At a time when the bourbon industry was struggling, Lee looked to the past for inspiration. He recalled how Colonel Albert B. Blanton would hand-select exceptional barrels from a “honey spot” in Warehouse H for special guests. Lee’s revolutionary idea was to bottle the whiskey from one single, exceptional barrel and sell it commercially. This bold move defied the industry standard of large-scale batching for consistency.

The result was Blanton’s Single Barrel, the first commercially available single-barrel bourbon in the world. This act didn’t just create a new brand; it created an entire category of premium American whiskey. Lee’s philosophy was simple yet profound: celebrate the unique character of each individual barrel. After his retirement, the distillery honored him by releasing the Elmer T Lee Single Barrel bourbon, a whiskey selected to his personal taste specifications. The 100 Year Tribute is the pinnacle of this homage.

The Tribute – Honoring a Century of Excellence

The Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute Single Barrel Bourbon whiskey was released in 2019 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Elmer’s birth. This was not a routine limited edition; it was a heartfelt celebration of a man who shaped the destiny of an entire industry.

Key Specifications:

• Name: Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

• Proof: 100 Proof (50% ABV) – A fitting number for a centennial celebration.

• Style: Single Barrel Bourbon

• Mash Bill: #2 (The same higher-rye mash bill used for Blanton’s and Rock Hill Farms)

• Bottle Size: 750ml

The 100-proof bottling strength is significant. It provides a robust flavor profile that stands as a testament to Lee’s legacy—strong, balanced, and full of character. The bottle features special commemorative labeling, setting it apart from the standard Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel release and marking it as a once-in-a-lifetime tribute.

Tasting Notes & Review – The Taste of a Legacy

Tasting the Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute is an experience steeped in history. It is a straight bourbon whiskey that exemplifies the balance and approachability that Elmer T. Lee himself cherished, but with the added depth and power worthy of a commemorative release.

Tasting Profile for Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute Single Barrel

Nose (The Aroma):
The nose is a welcoming and complex overture. It opens with an elegant bouquet of honey, ripe pear, and orange citrus, a signature of the Mash Bill #2 profile. This is swiftly followed by the comforting scent of vanilla custard and light caramel. The oak is present but refined, offering notes of toasted almond and a hint of cinnamon spice. There’s a distinct floral quality underneath, reminiscent of honeysuckle, that adds a layer of sophistication. The alcohol is remarkably integrated for 100 proof, promising a smooth tasting experience.

Palate (The Taste):
The palate is where the tribute truly shines, offering a medium-bodied and silky mouthfeel. The entry is soft and sweet, with initial flavors of baked apple, brown sugar, and marzipan. The mid-palate unfolds with a beautiful balance. The rye spice from the mash bill emerges gracefully as white pepper and a touch of nutmeg, providing structure without aggression. The fruit notes from the nose deepen into apricot jam and a hint of dark cherry. Throughout the experience, the charred oak provides a steady backbone, lending flavors of sweet tea and a subtle, baking chocolate note that adds depth without bitterness.

Finish (The Aftertaste):
The finish is long, warm, and satisfyingly smooth. It is a masterclass in drinkability. The initial sweetness gradually recedes, making way for a lingering resonance of oak, gentle spice, and a final, clean note of mint and citrus zest. The 100-proof strength ensures a comforting warmth that persists, a fitting tribute to a man of substance. It is an exceptionally balanced finish that invites another sip and solidifies the whiskey’s status as a world-class single barrel bourbon.

Overall Review:
The Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute is a masterpiece of balanced complexity. It successfully amplifies the beloved profile of the standard release while maintaining the approachability that was Elmer’s hallmark. It is not the most aggressive or oak-forward bourbon, and it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it is a refined, elegant, and profoundly enjoyable spirit that perfectly honors its namesake. It is a must-have for any enthusiast of Buffalo Trace’s higher-rye mash bill and a non-negotiable for historians of the bourbon craft.

The Collector’s Perspective – A Liquid Heirloom

The Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute is arguably the most significant bottle ever released under the Elmer T. Lee label. Its desirability in the collector’s market is immense and driven by several key factors.

Why This Bottle is a Coveted Grail:

1. Historical Significance: This is a one-time commemorative release honoring the 100th birthday of a bourbon legend. Its narrative power is unmatched.

2. Extreme Rarity: As a limited edition from 2019, its allocation was small, and it is now a closed chapter. Every opened bottle increases the scarcity of those that remain.

3. Provenance: The direct connection to Elmer T. Lee’s legacy and the celebratory nature of the release give it instant prestige.

4. Investment Potential: The combination of the Elmer T. Lee name, its historical importance, and its limited availability has created a highly stable and appreciating asset. The Elmer T. Lee MSRP was quickly eclipsed, and its value has soared on the secondary market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who was Elmer T. Lee and why is he important?
A: Elmer T. Lee was the Master Distiller at Buffalo Trace who, in 1984, created the world’s first commercially available single barrel bourbon Whiskey, Blanton’s. He revolutionized the industry by championing the unique character of individual barrels over large-scale batches. The bourbon named after him continues this legacy.

Q2: How is the 100 Year Tribute different from the standard Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel?
A: The standard Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel is bottled at 90 proof. The 100 Year Tribute is bottled at a stronger 100 proof, giving it a more robust and intense flavor profile. Additionally, the Tribute features special commemorative labeling marking Elmer’s 100th birthday, making it a much rarer and more collectible release.

Q3: What is the mash bill for Elmer T. Lee bourbon?
A: Elmer T. Lee Bourbon uses Buffalo Trace’s Mash Bill #2, which is a “higher-rye” recipe (believed to be around 12-15% rye). This is the same mash bill used for other renowned brands like Blanton’s and Rock Hill Farms, known for its balanced spice and rich fruit character.

Q4: What is a fair price for the Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute?
A: The original Elmer T. Lee MSRP for the Tribute was around $100. However, as a highly limited 2019 release, it is no longer available at retail. Its current Elmer T. Lee price is determined by the secondary market and specialty retailers like Rare Finds Liquor Store, where it commands a significant premium reflective of its rarity and historical status.

Q5: Where can I find Elmer T. Lee for sale?
A: Finding any expression of Elmer T. Lee for sale is challenging due to high demand and limited production. The standard single barrel is allocated, and the 100 Year Tribute is exceptionally rare. You will not find it through typical searches like “bourbon for sale near me.” Your best chance is through specialized online retailers like Rare Finds Liquor Store or the secondary auction market.

Q6: Is the Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute worth the high price?
A: For the collector, historian, or serious bourbon enthusiast, absolutely. It represents a unique opportunity to own a piece of bourbon history. The combination of its exceptional quality, historical significance, and extreme rarity justifies the investment for those who wish to experience and own a tangible part of Elmer T. Lee’s enduring legacy.

Rare Finds Liquor Store – Curators of Bourbon History

At Rare Finds Liquor Store, we understand that collecting premium spirits is about more than just consumption; it’s about preservation and appreciation of history. The Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute is the epitome of a bottle that deserves both to be savored and cherished.

We go beyond being a simple online retailer; we are curators and stewards of whiskey legacy. Our mission is to connect serious collectors with the world’s most significant and storied spirits, ensuring they are handled with the respect their provenance demands. We provide a trusted, authenticated channel for acquiring these liquid heirlooms, guaranteeing their condition and authenticity.

Conclusion: More Than a Bourbon, A Lasting Tribute

The Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a landmark release. It successfully captures the spirit of the man it honors: balanced, innovative, and profoundly impactful. From its inviting, fruity nose to its rich, spicy palate and long, satisfying finish, it is a whiskey that tells a story with every sip.

It stands as a brilliant and timeless testament to Elmer T. Lee’s simple yet revolutionary belief: that within a single barrel, one can find perfection. This bottle is that belief, realized and bottled for eternity.

Own a piece of bourbon history. Let Rare Finds Liquor Store be your guide to the most significant and legacy-defining spirits.

Browse our curated selection of rare, allocated, and historic bourbons today. While the Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute is a pinnacle offering, our inventory is constantly updated with other remarkable finds from the world’s top bourbon whiskey brands.

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