BUFFALO TRACE DISTILLERY HONORS 40 YEARS OF ELMER T. LEE BOURBON WITH FIRST-EVER UNCUT AND UNFILTERED OFFERING

Four decades after its introduction, this bold new expression honors Elmer T. Lee’s legacy

FRANKFORT, KY (September 14, 2026) – Buffalo Trace Distillery proudly announces the release of Elmer T. Lee 40^th Anniversary Edition, the first-ever uncut and unfiltered expression of Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon. Debuting four decades after the original Elmer T. Lee Bourbon was released, this limited offering honors the legacy of one of the industry’s most influential pioneers and offers enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience this iconic whiskey in its purest form.

Elmer T. Lee’s legacy at Buffalo Trace Distillery began in 1949, when he joined the then-George T. Stagg Distillery as a maintenance engineer following his service in World War II and graduation from the University of Kentucky. Over the next four decades, he rose to become Master Distiller, helping guide the Distillery through a transformative era of modernization and growth while shaping the future of bourbon.

A visionary ahead of his time, Lee fundamentally changed the American whiskey landscape in 1984 with the introduction of Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon, the world’s first single-barrel bourbon and a concept that helped pioneer the premiumization of bourbon. To honor his enduring impact, the Distillery introduced Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon in 1986, a namesake expression that directly reflects his commitment to careful selection and consistency. Its combination of craftsmanship, authenticity and legacy has made it a benchmark for both enthusiasts and collectors.

“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 Distillery Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley. “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.”

Now, 40 years after its debut, Buffalo Trace Distillery is unveiling a bold new expression of this bourbon. For the first time, Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon is presented uncut and unfiltered, drawn directly from the barrel without dilution or chill filtration. This approach is a reflection of how Elmer evaluated barrels for Blanton’s selection, providing enthusiasts with the opportunity to experience the whiskey as he would have.

The barrels selected for the 40th Anniversary Edition of Elmer T. Lee Bourbon were chosen for their richness and individuality, each bottled at its natural barrel proof to preserve a more robust, unaltered profile. Across the collection, notes of apricot, almond, vanilla, toasted coconut and honeysuckle lead to a rich, chewy palate with crème brûlée-like sweetness and a long finish of toasted oak and baking spice. Ranging from 124.8 to 138.6 proof, each barrel offers a subtle variation in character, structure and intensity.

“For the first time, we’re sharing Elmer T. Lee Bourbon exactly as it comes from the barrel,” said Erica Bovard, Senior Brand Director, American Whiskey. “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. We think fans will love this release, and importantly, it’s one we believe Elmer would be proud of.”

The Elmer T. Lee 40th Anniversary Edition will be available in limited quantities via a new bottle drawing system, hosted by the Buffalo Trace Distillery Gift Shop, at a suggested retail price of $99.99 (750ml; local taxes and fees may apply).

Developed in response to consumer feedback, the Buffalo Trace Distillery Bottle Draw is a new system intended to make limited bottle releases more accessible and convenient for visitors. For the inaugural drawing, fans can register online from 10 a.m. ET on September 15 through 11:59 p.m. ET on September 17 for the chance to purchase a bottle. Entries are limited to one per person, and registration timing does not affect the odds of selection. On September 22, an independent partner will randomly select names, with all entrants notified of the results. Those selected will have from September 28 through October 11, to visit the Distillery during normal visitor hours and purchase their bottle. As this marks the first Buffalo Trace Bottle Draw, the Distillery will gather participant feedback to help refine and improve the experience for future releases. For more information or to enter, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com/draws.

Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon is produced in limited quantities on an ongoing basis and released as each single barrel is deemed ready for bottling. The 40^th Anniversary Edition joins the portfolio alongside a handful of rare, commemorative variants including the 100 Year Tribute (released in 2019), the Commemorative Bottle (released in 2013), and the 90^th Birthday Edition (released in 2009). For more information about Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon, please visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/our-brands/elmer-t-lee-single-barrel/.

About Buffalo Trace Distillery  

Buffalo Trace Distillery is an American family-owned company based in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Distillery’s rich tradition dates back to 1775 and it is a National Historic Landmark, as well as listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its history includes such legends as E.H. Taylor, Jr., George T. Stagg, Albert B. Blanton, Orville Schupp, and Elmer T. Lee. Buffalo Trace Distillery is a fully operational Distillery producing bourbon, rye and vodka on site. The Distillery has won more than 40 distillery titles since 2000 and garnered more than 1,000 awards for its wide range of premium whiskies. Its William Larue Weller, Stagg, Eagle Rare 10, and Thomas H. Handy received Gold Awards at the 2025 International Wine & Spirits Competition and its flagship Buffalo Trace Bourbon received a Master Medal at the 2025 Global American Whiskey Masters. Buffalo Trace Distillery has a deep commitment to supporting charitable initiatives. Nonprofit organizations interested in learning more about the Distillery’s efforts are encouraged to register their charity here. To learn more about Buffalo Trace Distillery, visit www.buffalotracedistillery.com

£1,750.00

FROM ARRAN’S EARLIEST YEARS
XOP Arran 26 Years Old. Single Sherry Butt

ABV: 51.9% | Vol: 70cl

What Makes a Great whisky tasting?

We asked five of our teachers and contributing experts (Dave Broom, Vic Cameron, Gordon Steele, Sandy MacIntyre & Joe Cabassa) this very question.

Despite their different backgrounds, every answer pointed towards this: a great tasting isn’t about demonstrating expertise, it’s about creating an experience where people feel comfortable exploring the whisky for themselves. If you’re thinking about hosting your own tasting, or simply want to become a better whisky communicator, these insights are well worth a read.

🎬. Watch the Video | 📖 Read the Post

Study whisky: explore your passion, kickstart your career. We are the leading provider of certified Scotch whisky education. 14,000+ candidates globally enjoy our QS-Approved courses. Learn directly from the experts when you study online or in-person.

The Good Dram Show – Episode 647 ‘Indie Whiskies’

Welcome to this week’s episode of the show in which I’ll be taking a look at a selection of bottlings from Lady of the Glen, Signatory, Mossburn, House of Macduff, That Boutique-y Whisky Company and Little Brown Dog. The Good Dram Show with Chris Goodrum Episode 647 – Starting & Ending With A Six..! Filmed in The Study Nottingham. Filmed & Edited by Chris Goodrum.

Featuring

Lady of the Glen ‘Rare Cask’ Lindores Abbey 2019 (6 year old) 60% www.ladyoftheglen.com

Signatory Vintage Small Batch Edition #4 Glen Garioch 2011 (12 year old) 48.2% signatoryusa.com

House of Macduff ‘Golden Cask – Reserve’ Tullibardine 2010 (11 year old) 55.9% houseofmacduff.co.uk

Mossburn Distillers #41 Royal Brackla 2008 (16 year old) 54.9% mossburnwhisky.com

That Boutique-y Whisky Company Canadian Whisky 8 year old 45.8% www.thatboutiqueywhiskycompan…

Little Brown Dog ‘A Dram For Banksy’ Ardnamurchan 2015 (7 year old) 61.1% littlebrowndogspirits.com

The Rarest Bottle of Japanese Whisky Ever to Come to Auction

Unique 52-Year-Old Karuizawa, “The Prototype,” to Headline Sotheby’s Whisky & Whiskey Sale

One of Only Two Bottles Ever Drawn and Hand-Bottled Directly from Cask #5627 Prior to Commercial Release

Estimated at $400,000–600,000, Among the Most Valuable Japanese Whiskies Ever to Come to Market

“This is one of those bottles that I have been trying for years to hunt down. It’s a career highlight for me just to come into contact with it. Karuizawa 1960 Cask #5627 represents the very pinnacle of Japanese whisky, and this particular bottle is the rarest example of what this legendary distillery ever produced. Its age, extraordinary scarcity and historical significance come together to make this the most important Japanese whisky bottle to come to market in recent years. As one of only two bottles ever hand-bottled directly from Karuizawa’s oldest cask, this represents a key moment that would change the face of Japanese whisky collecting forever.”

Jonny Fowle, Sotheby’s Global Head of Spirits 

NEW YORK, September 2026 – A uniquely rare bottle of Karuizawa 1960 Cask #5627, known as “The Prototype,” will lead Sotheby’s Whisky & Whiskey auction on 18 September, presented as part of Sotheby’s Nightcap series at the Breuer. Estimated at $400,000–600,000, the bottle is expected to be the highest-value lot among the Nightcap offerings and represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire what is today regarded as one of the most coveted Japanese whiskies in the world.

Distilled on 1 February 1960, Cask #5627 was the oldest cask in Karuizawa’s inventory when the remaining casks were acquired following the distillery’s closure. Karuizawa ceased distilling at the end of 2000 and, following a subsequent change of ownership, the distillery itself was ultimately demolished. With no possibility of Karuizawa ever producing whisky again, the remaining casks became a finite and constantly diminishing source of one of Japan’s most sought-after whiskies.

Cask #5627 contained very little liquid when it was acquired, ultimately yielding just 41 commercially available bottles of the celebrated Karuizawa 1960 vintage. Matured for 52 years, the whisky was the oldest Japanese whisky ever bottled at the time of its release. Each bottle was labelled with traditional Japanese washi paper and individually identifiable by a carved wooden “netsuke” character.

Before this 1960 Hogshead was disgorged, however, two bottles were drawn directly from the cask and hand-filled into glass, each on a separate occasion. The bottle offered at Sotheby’s was filled on 20 December 2012, before the commercial 1960 vintage was bottled, making it one of only two bottles ever drawn and hand-bottled directly from Cask #5627 prior to its commercial release. It is therefore known as “The Prototype.”

The bottle was hand-filled by Osami Uchibori, Karuizawa’s legendary final Master Distiller, who had worked at the distillery since 1960, the year Cask #5627 was distilled. Its label was completed by hand and is accompanied by a certificate, also handwritten and signed by Uchibori, confirming that he filled this rare bottle. The Prototype liquid was drawn at a notably higher strength of 58.3% ABV, compared with the 51.8% ABV of the “standard” version of the 1960.

The cask also has a remarkable auction pedigree. In March 2020, a Karuizawa 52 Year Old Zodiac Rat Cask #5627 sold at Sotheby’s London for £363,000 (approximately US$435,273), ranking among the highest prices ever achieved at auction for a single bottle of whisky at the time and setting a record for the Karuizawa brand.

More than a decade after its release, Karuizawa 1960 Cask #5627 remains a landmark in the history of Japanese whisky. With its extraordinary age, extremely limited production, pre-release bottling and direct connection to Osami Uchibori, the bottle embodies the rarity, craftsmanship and heritage that have made Karuizawa one of the most sought-after names in collectible whisky.

About Sotheby’s

Established in 1744, Sotheby’s promotes access and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects through auctions, private sales and retail. Our deep expertise across 70 selling categories is supported by a leading technology platform and a global network of specialists spanning 40 countries. Selling categories include Contemporary Art, Modern and Impressionist Art, Old Masters, Chinese Works of Art, Jewelry, Watches, Wine and Spirits and Design, as well as collectible cars and real estate through RM Sotheby’s and Concierge. Sotheby’s Financial Services is a leading art lender and provides capital solutions for collectors around the world, having originated more than $12 billion in loans since its inception. Sotheby’s new global headquarters is now open at the iconic Breuer building in New York City, featuring Marcel, 945 Madison Avenue – a new continental restaurant designed by Roman & Williams.

*Estimates do not include buyer’s premium. Prices achieved include the hammer price plus buyer’s premium and are net of any fees paid to the purchaser where the purchaser provided an irrevocable bid.

Stream live auctions and place bids in real time, discover the value of a work of art, browse sale catalogues, view original content and more at sothebys.com, and by downloading Sotheby’s apps for iOS and Android.

The Provenance Behind the Collection

Iron Gate Fall Fine Spirits Auction Opens September 14, 2026

Iron Gate Auctions will open its Fall Fine Spirits Auction on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. EDT, presenting Canadian collectors with an exceptional selection of rare and highly collectible whiskies. The timed auction runs through Monday, September 21, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. EDT.

Highlights include, the famous 1975 Glenmorangie Cote de Nuits Wood Finish Single Malt Scotch Whisky, silent still gems like the 1966 Gordon & MacPhail Rare Old Banff Distillery Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Eagle Rare 10 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 101 Proof and the vintage bottlings of Macallan 18 Year Old.

Behind every remarkable whisky collection is a story.

For many of the consignors featured in Iron Gate’s Fall Whisky Auction, collecting began not with an investment strategy, but with a genuine passion for whisky—the spirit itself, along with its history, craftsmanship, stories and the community that surrounds it. Over the years, a personal passion evolved into a significant collection.

One of the most rewarding aspects of bringing these collections to auction is discovering the stories behind them: what first sparked a collector’s interest, where their journey took them, and which bottles became particularly meaningful along the way.

Iron Gate captures that history through the Provenance section accompanying every lot, providing a glimpse into the people, places and experiences that shaped each collection.

One collection in the Fall auction is particularly Memorable

Nearly 40 years ago, a trip to Scotland for his sister’s wedding unexpectedly changed the course of one collector’s life. During a visit to a centuries-old pub, he discovered that its new owner was clearing out old inventory, offering bottles from a display high among the ceiling beams for just one pound a dram.

What followed was an extraordinary introduction to Scotch whisky. Among the bottles being served were rare expressions dating to the 1930s, including remarkable Macallan releases. Over five days, he had the opportunity to experience whiskies that would later become highly sought-after by collectors around the world. A lifelong passion was born.

When he returned to the pub several years later, those historic bottles were gone—a reminder of just how fortunate that first encounter had been.

Over the following decades, his passion grew into a collection of more than 900 predominantly unique bottles. He acquired whiskies during travels throughout Scotland, on journeys as far afield as New Zealand, through auctions, and as a member of a local whisky club, where friendships and access to exclusive and unusual releases further shaped his collecting journey.

As his palate developed, his appreciation increasingly gravitated toward the distinctive character of peated Islay whisky, with Ardbeg becoming a particular focus.

The collection eventually became part of the fabric of his home and offices—a personal shrine to decades of discovery and a tangible record of his passion for whisky. Now, after finally running out of space, he has decided that the time has come for these bottles to begin their next chapter.

For the consignor, the whisky may be moving on, but the memories remain: the travels, friendships, discoveries and experiences accumulated over a lifetime of collecting.

Every bottle has a history. Sometimes, the story behind it is as compelling as the whisky itself.

Auction Details
Event: Iron Gate Fine Spirits Auction
Start: September 14, 2026, 10:00 a.m. EDT
End: September 21, 2026, 8:00 p.m. EDT
Format: Timed online auction

Catalogue: Iron Gate Fine Whisky Auction-23465

Please note that a buyer’s premium of 19.5% applies to this sale. The auction is operated under license by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis and under the applicable Alberta auction license.  Shipping is arranged across Canada using third party shipper, Calgary Shipping.  Flat rate fees for certain postal codes.

About Iron Gate

Iron Gate provides fine wine and spirits auction services for collectors across Canada, combining specialist expertise with a commitment to provenance, trusted handling, and a seamless online bidding experience.

Spirits Contact
Ajay Bhardwaj, VP Spirits Iron Gate Auctions
Email: ajay@irongate.wine

Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Includes Branded Glass) 18 Year Old 70cl · 43% ABV

Matured in a high proportion of first-fill sherry seasoned European and American oak casks, this superb 18 Year Old single malt pays tribute to our 5 keystones of production and presents a sophisticated medley of ripe cherries dusted with bittersweet cocoa, freshly harvested honeycomb and candied orange peel. There’s a whisper of Orkney’s salty seaspray in the aromatic peat smoke.

Flavours: Cherries, Dark chocolate, Toffee, Marzipan, Heather honey, & Aromatic peat smoke

Try with: Meaty fish like mahi mahi or swordfish cooked with Indian spices (think cardamom and ginger – surprisingly good!), cold meats with ginger chutney, and citrus fruit puddings.

£119.95

Two centuries of whisky experience, well-used

The easternmost whisky distillery in Scotland, Glen Garioch (pronounced glen geery) is also one of the oldest still operating. Founded in 1797 and barely closed in the more than two hundred years since (rare for any Scotch whisky distillery), Glen Garioch is renowned for a rounded, fruity single malt with a waxy mouthfeel.

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ralfy review 1143 Extras – Stuff about Clynelish scotch whisky.