Review 183: Elmer T Lee Single Barrel Bourbon

Elmer T Lee was the man who pioneered the sale of single barrel bourbon with Blanton's in the 1980's. That move put the idea of "premium" bourbon into peoples minds and helped to save the then floundering industry. It is the whole, thriving bourbon industry today that should thank Mr. Lee and not just his employer Buffalo Trace/Sazerac. Buffalo Trace has released this, eponymous single barrel brand to honor Lee, who sadly died last July. I certainly hope this bourbon is worthy of bearing his name!

Elmer T Lee Single Barrel Bourbon

Color: Amber +2

ABV: 45%

Aroma Neat:
Oak Honey, Spun Brown Sugar, Birch Beer, Cola, Light Roast Coffee, Black Tea Leaves (gentle), Vanilla Ice Cream, Walnuts, Creamy Bananas, Mild Cinnamon/Nutmeg (warming), Whole Grain Toast, Antique Furniture/Varnish, Old Leather.

Delicious and expressive nose that is very complex. Perfect integration of wood and spirit. The "sour" in the sour mash is noticeable too.


Aroma Water:
Black Walnuts, Sticky Tar, Vanilla Ice Cream, Molten Caramel, Bananas Foster/Jamaican Rum/Brown Sugar, Seasoned Oak, Toffee, Espresso Beans, Hot Oatmeal. 

The nose very unctuous with water. I miss the spicy notes, but the gentle, easy sweetness is reminiscent of quality wheated bourbons.


Taste Neat:
Brown Sugar & Cinnamon, Honey, Oak Wood Chips/Mulch, Over-Steeped Black Tea, Soft Charcoal, Cedar, Cigar Humidor, Vanilla Bean.

Like the nose, the palate exhibits great harmony between spirit and cask. Spicy, burned, sweet, and spicy notes all mingle together. It can be a little hard to tease them apart, which is good. There is an immediate sense of quality.


Taste Water:
Warm Cinnamon & Honey, Tarry Muscovado Sugar, Creamy Conneticut Cigar Wrapper, White Pepper, Gentle Barrel Char, Warm Sap, Maple (somehow!).

Just delicious. So glad I bought a second bottle of this to save!
 

Finish:
Warm Buscuits, Brown Sugar, Vanilla Cola, Burnt Coffee, Burnt & Buttery Oatmeal Cookies, Devils Food, Sweet/Sappy Char, Sweet Dried Corn.

Warming finish that lingers with coffee, cola, and cookie notes.

Conclusion:
Perfectly balanced in all aspects.

Excellent sweet/savory vs dry/bitter balance.


Excellent fatty/grainy spirit and spicy/creamy wood balance.


Rating: 93/100

Girlfriend Rating: 89/100

This is my first bottle of Elmer T Lee. I think this one must have been pulled from a good barrel, because this is excellent, excellent bourbon. In fact, this is my favorite bourbon yet!

Here's to you Elmer. Thank you.

Josh