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 40th 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 40th 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 90th 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
