Episode 132 - Elmer T. Lee

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The bourbon world loves a loud debate, and Elmer T. Lee seems built to start one: is it a smooth classic that earned its reputation, or is it an “allocated” name that rides on scarcity and Buffalo Trace hype? We pour a 90 proof single barrel sour mash and give you the honest read, including why some drinkers call it too simple while others will happily pay double or triple retail just to keep it on the shelf.

Along the way, we share some real-life updates from the Whiskey Brothers universe. Our group is growing, the bottle count is growing, and we’re moving from a residential setup into a larger commercial space north of Chicago. There’s a rehab plan, new windows and floors, fresh paint, and a big new bar build so we can host tastings the way they should be: comfortable, social, and focused on sharing good whiskey with good people.

Then it’s all tasting and context. We talk Buffalo Trace mash bill #2 and the high rye angle, what “single barrel” really means in practice, and why distribution and allocation can make a $40 to $50 bourbon feel like a unicorn. We also touch the legacy piece: Elmer T. Lee is often credited with bringing single barrel bourbon to the mainstream, plus the fun detail that he liked his pour over ice with a splash of 7 Up.

Expect classic notes like vanilla, brown sugar, light oak, a hint of cinnamon, and a finish that fades faster than you might want, which leads straight into the real question: what price makes this a “buy” versus a hard pass? If you like bourbon reviews, Buffalo Trace comparisons, and practical buying advice for allocated whiskey, hit play, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave us a quick review. What’s the most you’d pay for Elmer T. Lee?