Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:52 pm
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 Elmer T. Lee vs John J. Bowman 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
Elmer T. Lee vs John J. Bowman: Comparison
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel: Exhibits a floral, honey, and oak nose, vanilla, and cherry palate, finishing with caramel and spice. A tribute to tradition.
John J. Bowman Single Barrel: Aromas of oak, vanilla, and cinnamon, with a palate of oak spice, apple, and brown sugar, and an apple-oak finish. A spicy adventure.
Verdict: Elmer T. Lee stands as a smooth, classic bourbon, celebrating the legacy of its namesake. John J. Bowman offers a unique taste experience with its distinct spicy and sweet notes, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Single Barrel Bourbon
Elmer T. Lee: Single Barrel Smoothness, But Does It Justify the Hype?
- 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: Blanton’s
Buffalo Trace fans, take note! Elmer T. Lee, named after the distillery’s legendary Master Distiller, shares its mash bill with Blanton’s, but with a twist.
Aged advantage? Blanton’s boasts a prime storage location and higher proof (93 vs. 90), potentially influencing its character.
Aroma & Taste: Elmer T. Lee opens with floral sweetness, baking spice, and a hint of ethanol that fades. The palate is smooth and thin, offering notes of vanilla, cherry, fruit, and subtle oak. The finish brings cinnamon, caramel, and a touch of char, leaving a clean, easy sip.
The good, the not-so-good: While smooth and classic, some find it lacks body and complexity. Its lower proof might leave you wanting more, especially considering its reputation and price tag.
Worth the splurge? At the suggested retail price (around $60), it’s an option, but the inflated secondary market prices are hard to justify. Remember, it’s a pleasant sipper, but not a game-changer.
Bonus facts:
- Aged around 6 years.
- Won a Double Gold Medal at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- Named after Elmer T. Lee, who created Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon.
So, if you’re looking for a classic, smooth bourbon, Elmer T. Lee delivers. But for complexity and value, you might want to explore further before diving into the hype.
John Bowman Single Barrel: A Balanced Ride with a Spicy Kick
- Nose: Oak, vanilla, cinnamon
- Palate: Oak spice, apple, brown sugar, baking spice
- Finish: Apple, oak
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Bowman Brothers
Spice lovers, gather ’round! John Bowman Single Barrel opens with a bold oak aroma, hinting at vanilla and cinnamon whispers. Take a sip, and a creamy wave washes over you, led by upfront oak spice. Don’t worry, brown sugar and apple sweetness come to the rescue, balanced by subtle baking spice and vanilla.
The finish? Medium-length, dry, with lingering oak and a leather-like bite. Want something smoother? Add a dash of water to unlock caramel notes and tame the oak.
Is it a showstopper? Not quite. Think of it more like a reliable friend. Balanced, pleasantly spicy (think E.H. Taylor with a kick!), and easy to drink.
Bonus points: Crafted at a renowned Kentucky distillery, then triple-distilled and aged in Virginia for around 10 years. So, it’s got heritage!
In short: John Bowman is a solid, enjoyable bourbon, great for expanding your whiskey horizons. Don’t expect fireworks, but a well-rounded, spicy journey awaits.
What do Elmer T. Lee and John J. Bowman have in common?
Both are crafted at the Buffalo Trace Distillery
These bourbons belong to the same parent company and are crafted at the same distillery.
The difference lies in the third distillation and the longer aging John Bowman goes through in the state of Virginia.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel | $175 |
| John J. Bowman Single Barrel | $80 |