Hannah’s Elmer T Lee Single Barrel Review
Original review written April 6, 2021
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
It’s a simple, fruit-forward bourbon that is gentle on heat and alcohol. Personally, I quite enjoy it, but if you like more heat, earth, or spice, I’d avoid this one. 87/100
VITALS:
– Made In: Frankfort, Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Buffalo Trace Distillery
– Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Single Barrel (no barrel identifying markers on bottle)
– Age: nas (varies by bottling; said to be 8-14 yrs.)
– Mash Bill: unpublished but believed to be mash bill #2: Corn=75-80%; Rye=10-15%; Malted Barley=10%
– Casks: Char #4
– Barrel Entry Proof: 125
– ABV: 45% (90 proof)
– Price: $38.00 USD in Idaho (in 2018)
For more information, visit https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/our-brands/elmer-t-lee-single-barrel.html
ENJOYMENT METHOD:
I enjoyed the juice neat from a Glencairn with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.
Check out his review for this bourbon here!
SETTING:
Elmer T Lee Single Barrel would be a great bourbon to have on the banks of a pond covered in lilypads and life. Perhaps there are ducks or swans in the distance, peacefully eating the goods beneath the surface of the water. It’s a simple bourbon for a simple life on a pleasant day where you can lounge around and just enjoy the calm of the world.
Photo by Robert Thiemann on Unsplash
NOSE:
Bright, floral notes erupt from the glass without even needing to bring it particularly close to the nose. There is certainly a fruit element here, as I would expect from a Buffalo Trace product, as well as a bit of caramel. To me, it has the distinct aroma of huckleberries. I can’t capture much else for fruit, but there does seem to be something else extra that is there. It’s quite bright and fresh, maybe like a tart cherry?
There are some subtle spices, but not many to override the sweetness of the huckleberry and caramel. I can get traces of white pepper and maybe the tiniest bit of rye, but not much else. Overall, the nose is simple and inviting, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
PALATE:
– Mouth Feel: Very soft. It has the smallest amount of texture, but by no means is it gritty.
– Balance: Simple. The fruit is the hero; everyone else is a supporting character, so it can seem slightly uneven.
– Visual: Russet/muscat in color, there is a thick, uneven crown that gives way to fast-dropping legs. Some of the legs stutter and turn to droplets, while others remain consistent.
– Taste: The huckleberries from the nose are definitely present here on the palate, and as a fruit bourbon lover, this is very exciting for me. There is a bit of fruit leather of a berry, perhaps the huckleberry, though it could be another berry fruit also. This sweetness occupies the majority of the palate for sure, though if I’m looking deeply, I can get a little light vanilla or simple syrup.
Not much for spice, but I can detect a little bit of black pepper, and strangely enough, red peppercorns. Neither are particularly strong, and it is more of the sensation of them being present as opposed to definitive flavors sticking out. There is also very little wood, and the wood that is there, is very light and contributes to the sweetness and little else. You may think these are all strikes against the bourbon, but as stated, I quite love fruit-intense bourbons, so I am enjoying this greatly.
A Kentucky chew does little to change the flavor. And I daresay it hurts the mouth feel a bit, making it seem more one-dimensional than you’d expect on a Kentucky chew. The alcohol on the chew and without the chew is very minimal and gentle, but remember, this is only 90 proof after all.
FINISH:
– Lasting Power: Short. You get a flame of warmth that bursts, but after only a moment, it disappears and you’re left with a little sensation and aftertaste… but not much.
– Between Sips: The huckleberry truly wants to be a part of every component of this bourbon, and I find it here between sips as well. There is a pinch of black pepper too, but it could also be more of a sensation as opposed to the pronounced spice.
– No More: This stays very consistent throughout the glass. It’s an easy sipper, not offering anything spectacular, but certainly not disappointing either.
The empty Glencairn is very sweet and oaky, and without any semblance of spice, it seems almost pure sugar. I’m actually a bit relieved that the pour did not taste quite like this.
WORTH THE PRICE?
At $38 USD (at the time of purchase), I think it is well worth the price, and fits in very nicely with the Buffalo Trace Distillery price lineups. I am a big fan of many products made by this distillery, and don’t often find offerings that I do not like. If you like fruit, and you like BT, definitely give it a try. Just don’t expect complexity.
ELMER T LEE SINGLE BARREL REVIEW RATING: 87/100
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