Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 12:28 am
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Blanton’s vs Elmer T. Lee in this in-depth comparison and decide which Bourbon is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Blanton’s vs Elmer T. Lee: Comparison
Blanton’s Single Barrel: Luxuriously smooth with a blend of vanilla, caramel, and spice. A premium sip with no off-flavors.
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel: Offers a light, smooth experience with traditional Bourbon flavors, with vanilla and cherry notes.
Key Facts: Blanton’s and Elmer T. Lee, both from Buffalo Trace Distillery, share a mash bill and aging time; Elmer T. Lee created Blanton’s, the first Single Barrel Bourbon. They differ in proof (Blanton’s 93, Elmer T. Lee 90) and barrel aging locations, with Blanton’s in warehouse H.
Verdict: Blanton’s shines for those who crave depth and richness in their bourbon, with its creamy, flavorful embrace. Elmer T. Lee, on the other hand, offers a gentler journey, appealing with its smooth, straightforward character. Each has its allure, dependent on whether you’re after a complex embrace or a simpler, clean sip, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Recommended Single Barrel Bourbons
Blanton’s: Smooth Bliss Meets Buttery Body
- Nose: Vanilla, caramel, oak, old leather
- Palate: Creamy vanilla, honeyed, baking spice, oak
- Finish: Long, honey, brown sugar, caramel
- Alcohol content: 93 proof (46.5% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Stagg Jr.
Aroma: Sweetness greets you, followed by whispers of aged leather and oak, like a vintage library with a hint of spice.
Taste: Dive into classic butterscotch, vanilla, and rye spice, all amplified by a rich, creamy mouthfeel. Think comfort food in liquid form.
Finish: Long, sweet, and warming, with a surprising, subtle medicinal-like note that doesn’t overpower. Adds intrigue to the experience.
Is it good?
Oh yes. Blanton’s lives up to the hype. It’s exceptionally smooth, perfectly balanced between sweetness, depth, and intrigue. Each sip is pure enjoyment.
Why you’ll love it:
- Lushness: The buttery body coats your palate, making it a truly satisfying sipper.
- Perfect balance: Sweetness, depth, and a touch of mystery come together beautifully.
- Hype justified: This Double Gold Medal winner and “liquid gold” lives up to its reputation.
Enjoyment tips:
- Neat is best: Savor the full flavor spectrum.
- Chill carefully: Opt for a large ice ball or whiskey stones to avoid diluting the perfection.
So, is it for you?
If you seek a smooth, rich, and deeply satisfying bourbon experience, Blanton’s is worth the splurge. Just be prepared for a touch of the unexpected in the finish!
Elmer T. Lee: Sweet & Smooth
- Nose: Floral, honey, oak, baking spice
- Palate: Vanilla, oak, cherry
- Finish: Caramel, vanilla, spice
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Weller 12
Aroma: Think floral meadows meets a warm bakery, with a hint of alcohol that fades gently.
Taste: Smooth and light, offering vanilla, cherry, and fruity notes with a touch of oak. Don’t expect full-bodied richness.
Finish: Long and enjoyable, lingering with cinnamon, caramel, and vanilla, and a hint of oak char. Very easy to sip.
Is it good?
This bourbon stays smooth throughout, but its lighter body might surprise some. Classic bourbon flavors like vanilla and cherry are there, but complexity is limited.
Value: Worth a try at its regular price, but avoid inflated secondary market costs. It’s good, but not mind-blowing.
Elmer T. Lee Facts:
- Aged around 6 years
- Double Gold Medal winner, but hype often outpaces reality
- Named after a legendary Master Distiller
So, is it for you?
If you prioritize smoothness and enjoy classic bourbon profiles, Elmer T. Lee delivers. But if you seek a deeper, more complex experience, look elsewhere.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Bourbon | Price |
| Blanton’s Single Barrel | $130 |
| Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel | $187 |