Single Barrel. Elmer T. Lee — a single barrel bourbon named for Elmer T. Lee, the Master Distiller Emeritus at Buffalo Trace (then George T. Stagg Distillery) who created Blanton’s Single Barrel in 1984 — the world’s first commercially available single barrel bourbon — and for whom this expression was later named in recognition of his lifetime contribution to American whiskey. Elmer T. Lee joined the George T. Stagg Distillery (now Buffalo Trace) in 1949 and served as Master Distiller for decades. His decision to select exceptional individual barrels and bottle them unblended — an idea considered commercially radical in 1984 — launched the premium single barrel bourbon category that now defines the top tier of American whiskey. The Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel is produced at Buffalo Trace using the same wheated mashbill program that characterizes the distillery’s most prized expressions. Specs Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Single Barrel ABV: 45% (90 proof) Size: 750ml Browse all bourbon at Wooden Cork. Frequently Asked Questions Who was Elmer T. Lee? Master Distiller Emeritus at Buffalo Trace (then George T. Stagg Distillery), who joined in 1949 and created Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon in 1984 — the world’s first commercially available single barrel bourbon. He is considered one of the founding figures of modern premium American whiskey. How does Elmer T. Lee relate to Blanton’s? Elmer T. Lee created Blanton’s Single Barrel in 1984, launching the single barrel bourbon category. Both expressions are produced at Buffalo Trace; Elmer T. Lee is the tribute named for the man who pioneered the category that Blanton’s established.
