In honor of what would have been Elmer T. Lee’s 100th birthday, Buffalo Trace Distillery recently announced the release of a 100 proof commemorative bottling of Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute Single Barrel Bourbon.
This is a limited edition, one-time only release with the same age and mashbill as the standard Elmer T. Lee, but this whiskey is bottled at 100 proof.
On August 5th, 1919, Lee was born on a tobacco farm near in Franklin County, Kentucky. From meager beginnings, he went on to create the world’s first single barrel bourbon, Blanton’s, and become one of the most celebrated Master Distillers.
“After a century has passed since he was born, we want to honor Elmer and share our admiration with his family and others, while also giving back to Elmer’s local VFW,” said Kris Comstock, senior marketing director. “We were lucky to have Elmer with us for 93 years. As he grew older he continued to visit the Distillery weekly. The wisdom, expertise and friendship he shared during his weekly visits will never be forgotten. We think of him often and cherish the time he spent with us.”
Lee retired from Buffalo Trace Distillery in 1985, but continued to serve as an ambassador for Buffalo Trace and the whiskey world up until his death. Prior to joining Buffalo Trace (then known as the George T. Stagg Distillery) in 1949, he served as a radar bombardier on B-29 flights with the U.S. Army Air Force in World War II. After flying missions against Japan through 1945, Lee was honorably discharged in 1946, attended college, and graduated with honors in 1949. Upon graduation, he started work at the Distillery where he was eventually named General Manager. He worked at the Distillery until retirement, marking a milestone in his career with the creation of Blanton’s in 1984, the world’s first single barrel bourbon.
“What Elmer did for American whiskey is hard to grasp in today’s terms, but in 1984, bourbon was in the doldrums and sales were low,” stated Harlen Wheatley, Buffalo Trace’s current master distiller. “Elmer took a big risk creating a single barrel bourbon, but he hoped it would generate new interest in bourbon and revive the industry. At first Blanton’s wasn’t popular, and Elmer feared it may not take off. But today, I think it’s safe to say Elmer made a wise move.”
Proceeds from the bottle sales will go towards Frankfort VFW Post 4075, where Lee was a member until his death in 2013.
The Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute Single Barrel Bourbon will be very limited in distribution and available at a suggested retail price of $100.
