The Legacy of Elmer T. Lee: The Elmer T. Lee Commemorative Edition 1919–2013

When Elmer T. Lee passed away in 2013, the whiskey world lost a titan. To honor the “Father of Single Barrel Bourbon,” Buffalo Trace released the Elmer T. Lee Commemorative Edition in 2014. This bottle is distinct from the standard label, not just in its rarity, but in its specific tribute to Elmer’s age and his lifelong dedication to the craft.

The Story Behind the Elmer T. Lee Commemorative Edition

The Elmer T. Lee Commemorative Edition was designed as a final salute. While the standard Elmer T. Lee is a staple of the Buffalo Trace lineup; this specific bottling was a one-time release with unique specifications that mirror the life of the man himself.

Technical Specifications of the Elmer T. Lee Commemorative Edition

The most notable feature of this release is its proof, which was set to match Elmer’s age at the time of his passing:

• Proof: 93 Proof (46.5% ABV) — A symbolic nod to Elmer’s 93 years.

• Mash Bill: Buffalo Trace Mash Bill #2 (High-Rye), the same mash bill used for Blanton’s and Hancock’s Reserve.

• Release Year: 2014 (Limited One-Time Bottling).

• Philanthropy: Proceeds from the original release were donated to the VFW Post 4075 in Frankfort, Kentucky, where Elmer was a long-standing member.

For a full historical archive of Elmer’s career, you can visit the Buffalo Trace Distillery official history page

Why the Elmer T. Lee Commemorative Edition is a Must-Have

If you are a serious collector of Elmer T. Lee expressions, the 2014 Commemorative Edition is likely the “crown jewel” missing from your bar. It offers a slightly more concentrated flavor profile than the 90-proof standard, bringing out deeper notes of old leather, dried fruit, and a refined honeyed sweetness.

The Rarity of the Elmer T. Lee Commemorative Edition

Because this was a “Death Bottle” commemorative release, it will never be produced again. Unlike the Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute, which focused on the centennial, this bottle marks the end of an era.

Whiskey critics on Reddit’s r/Bourbon often rank this as the most “sentimental” bottle in a Buffalo Trace collection. You can find high-resolution photography and display ideas for the Commemorative Edition on Pinterest to see how it stands out against other limited releases.

2026 Investment Value of Elmer T. Lee Commemorative Edition

Investing in Elmer T. Lee has proven to be as stable as gold in the spirits market. The Elmer T. Lee Commemorative Edition has seen staggering appreciation since its $50 MSRP release in 2014.

2026 Market Price Trends: Elmer T. Lee Commemorative Edition

Release Year	Bottle Name	Market Price (2026)
2014	Elmer T. Lee Commemorative Edition	$1,400 – $2,200
2019	Elmer T. Lee 100 Year Tribute	$1,100 – $1,500
Annual	Elmer T. Lee (Standard)	$350 – $450

For those looking to purchase an authentic bottle, ElmerTLeeBourbon.com provides a secure platform for high-end bourbon acquisitions. You can also track live bidding on this rarity via Sotheby’s Spirits or monitor general availability on Google Shopping.