From Sparrow’s bourbon list, the Elmer T Lee is a single barrel Kentucky bourbon named for one of the most important figures in modern American whiskey ($25 by the pour, or $37.50 for a larger pour).
About Elmer T Lee
Elmer T. Lee spent his career at the Frankfort, Kentucky distillery now known as Buffalo Trace, starting as a maintenance engineer and rising to master distiller. In 1984 he introduced the world’s first modern single barrel bourbon, Blanton’s, the practice of selecting one exceptional barrel at a time for bottling that is now respected across the industry. Upon his retirement, the distillery honored him with this namesake single barrel bourbon, which he continued to influence by personally selecting barrels even in his later years. Lee was inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame in 2001. His bottle remains a quiet legend among bourbon lovers.
Tasting Notes
As a single barrel bourbon, this is the work of one carefully chosen cask rather than a blend, which gives it a focused, elegant character. Expect the refined Kentucky profile that made Elmer’s name, soft caramel and vanilla, honeyed fruit, and a smooth, balanced finish that drinks beautifully neat.
What to Pair It With
This is a sipping bourbon through and through. Enjoy it neat or over one large cube in our 21+ lounge after dinner, where its detail really comes through. From the Sparrow dinner menu, it pairs handsomely with the American Wagyu steaks or the Sparrow-Smoked Rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elmer T Lee bourbon?
It is a single barrel Kentucky bourbon from the Buffalo Trace distillery, named for master distiller Elmer T. Lee, who introduced the first modern single barrel bourbon in 1984.
How much is a pour of Elmer T Lee at Sparrow?
At Sparrow in Kirkland it is $25 by the pour, or $37.50 for a larger pour.
How should I drink Elmer T Lee?
It is a sipping bourbon, so enjoy it neat or over one large cube to let its soft caramel, vanilla, and honeyed fruit show. We pour it in our 21+ lounge, where it is at its best after dinner.
Where can I drink Elmer T Lee near Seattle?
At Sparrow in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood, a short drive from Seattle and easy to reach from across the Eastside. Find it on our beverages menu and reserve a table to come sip it.
Find it on the Sparrow beverages menu near the Eagle Rare and the E.H. Taylor Small Batch. We are in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, so reserve a table and come sip it.