Elmer T. Lee Bourbon

Elmer T. Lee Bourbon is one of those pours that, from the moment you nose it, feels like a classic. Right away, you are hit with that familiar Buffalo Trace profile, light and fruity with that dusty, well aged rickhouse character that fans of the distillery know well. It has that subtle old wood smell, like walking past sunbaked railroad ties or stepping into a quiet aging warehouse. But it does not stop there.

As it opens up, a wave of bright red fruits starts to take over. Strawberry jumps out first, followed by flashes of peach and orange. There is even a hint of something candy like here. Strawberry Runts and grape Laffy Taffy come to mind. There is a nostalgic sweetness to it, like wandering through an old candy shop. Tucked behind the fruit are deeper notes of burned sugar and chocolate. It reminds me a bit of a Tootsie Roll. Not overly rich, but distinct enough to stand out. And if you keep coming back to it, you might even catch a soft note of marshmallow weaving its way through. It is subtle, but it is there.

On the palate, Elmer T. Lee leans into that fruit forward start but trades some of the brightness for depth. Cherry becomes more pronounced, and there is just the faintest wisp of smoke that adds a nice touch of contrast. It is not nearly as sweet as the nose suggests, but that actually works in its favor. The flavors take their time unfolding, and it feels like there is more going on here than at first glance. A hint of graham cracker appears midway through the sip, adding a bit of warmth and rounding things out nicely. The mouthfeel is worth calling out too. It is light, but there is a silky, almost oily quality that makes each sip feel full without being heavy. There is also a creaminess I could not quite pin down, but it adds a richness that keeps the palate interesting from start to finish.

Now the finish is where this bourbon really starts to show off. For something that clocks in at only 90 proof, it lingers far longer than you would expect. Marshmallow comes back around and hangs out with some soft oak and a touch of that sour mash bite that sneaks in right at the end. It is gentle but persistent, like the flavor of the air in a rickhouse that has been soaking in bourbon for decades. There is something almost dessert like in the way it closes, reminding me of the creamy center in a Twix bar. It is not bold or flashy, but it is memorable in its own way. If I had to nitpick, I would say the finish is the least complex part of the pour, but honestly, given the proof and overall balance, it still does the job and then some.

All in all, Elmer T. Lee absolutely earns its place in the Buffalo Trace lineup. It is a no brainer. The combination of fruit, sweetness, oak, and rickhouse character makes for a well rounded, enjoyable pour that keeps revealing new things the longer you sit with it. It is a fantastic bourbon, but one that shines brightest when enjoyed with pals.