After serving in World War II as a Radar Bombardier, Elmer T. Lee returned to his home in Kentucky and earned his engineering degree from the University of Kentucky.  He joined the distillery in the late 1940’s as a maintenance engineer.  He first interviewed with Colonel Blanton who famously rejected him by saying, “Son, we’re not hiring any hands today”. Fortunately, Colonel Blanton changed his mind and Elmer T. Lee started working the following week.

His genius for bourbon production propelled his rise from Maintenance Engineer to Plant Engineer, where he was eventually promoted to Plant Superintendent.  From there he earned the shared title of Plant Manager and Master Distiller where he oversaw much of the distillery’s modernization and growth until he retired in 1985.  

After retiring Mr. Lee served as Master Distiller Emeritus and Ambassador for Buffalo Trace Distillery. He was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2001. In 2002 he received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from Whisky Advocate, and again from Whisky Magazine in 2012. In 2013 Elmer passed away, leaving behind a prolific legacy of creativity and exploration that helped shape the Bourbon Industry into what it is today. 

This is a Special Polish Release produced in 2021. Only five barrels were produced. The Proof Varies and the label design may vary as well depending on the release.

Taken from the center-cut or middle sections of the famous Warehouse H, Blanton’s Original Single Barrel was once designated for ambassadors, dignitaries, and Colonel Blanton’s family and friends. Today, everyone has access to the world’s first single barrel bourbon. The taste profile is sweet, with notes of citrus and oak. The creamy vanilla nose is teased with caramel and butterscotch, all underscored by familiar baking spices such as clove, nutmeg, or cinnamon. Blanton’s Original set the standard for single barrel bourbons in 1984. Best served neat or on the rocks. Bottled at 46.5% alcohol by volume.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Vanilla

Palate: Citrus and Oak

Taken from the center-cut or middle sections of the famous Warehouse H, Blanton’s Original Single Barrel was once designated for ambassadors, dignitaries, and Colonel Blanton’s family and friends. Today, everyone has access to the world’s first single barrel bourbon. The taste profile is sweet, with notes of citrus and oak. The creamy vanilla nose is teased with caramel and butterscotch, all underscored by familiar baking spices such as clove, nutmeg, or cinnamon. Blanton’s Original set the standard for single barrel bourbons in 1984. Best served neat or on the rocks. Bottled at 46.5% alcohol by volume.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Vanilla

Palate: Citrus and Oak

Blanton’s Gold Edition was created for discerning bourbon aficionados who appreciate exceptional smoothness and complexity in their bourbon whiskey. The nose is first marked by spicy rye and tobacco notes.  Caramel and honey follow soon after, mingled with dark fruit and citrus notes. The palate emulates the same complex nose with rye, tobacco, and honey at the forefront. Round and bold notes of charred oak and vanilla carry you through to an extremely long and harmonious finish. This bourbon consistently delivers on balance and character, on par with the world’s finest whiskey. Best served neat or with a splash of water. Bottled at 51.5% alcohol by volume.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Rye and Tobacco

Palate: Oak and Honey 

Not only one of the world’s best bourbons, Blanton’s Straight from the Barrel is one of the world’s best whiskeys. Created for connoisseurs familiar with cask strength whiskeys, this enormous taste profile reaches depths of flavor found only in the rarest of spirits. On the nose we get notes of dark chocolate, caramel and butter with earthy undertones of walnut and hazelnut.  The palate delivers intrepid notes of warm vanilla, oak, toasted nuts and a rich spiciness with hints of butterscotch or honey.  The high alcohol by volume is intense and powerful yet inviting. The deep and resonate finish on this bourbon is nothing short of legendary. Straight from the barrel is best served neat or with a splash of water. Un-filtered, un-cut, unbelievable. 

Tasting Notes

Nose: Caramel

Palate: Oak and Vanilla

After serving in World War II as a Radar Bombardier, Elmer T. Lee returned to his home in Kentucky and earned his engineering degree from the University of Kentucky.  He joined the distillery in the late 1940’s as a maintenance engineer.  He first interviewed with Colonel Blanton who famously rejected him by saying, “Son, we’re not hiring any hands today”. Fortunately, Colonel Blanton changed his mind and Elmer T. Lee started working the following week.

His genius for bourbon production propelled his rise from Maintenance Engineer to Plant Engineer, where he was eventually promoted to Plant Superintendent.  From there he earned the shared title of Plant Manager and Master Distiller where he oversaw much of the distillery’s modernization and growth until he retired in 1985.  

After retiring Mr. Lee served as Master Distiller Emeritus and Ambassador for Buffalo Trace Distillery. He was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2001. In 2002 he received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from Whisky Advocate, and again from Whisky Magazine in 2012. In 2013 Elmer passed away, leaving behind a prolific legacy of creativity and exploration that helped shape the Bourbon Industry into what it is today.