Elmer T. Lee Gold Wax Top

Single barrel. 90 proof. The gold wax top variant of the bourbon created by the man who invented the single barrel category — Elmer T. Lee, Master Distiller Emeritus of Buffalo Trace.

Elmer T. Lee began working at what is now Buffalo Trace Distillery in 1949 and served as Master Distiller for decades. In 1984, he created Blanton's — the world's first commercially marketed single barrel bourbon, a release that defined the premium bourbon category. He continued personally visiting the distillery weekly to select barrels for his self-named expression even after retirement in 1985, until his passing in 2013 at age 93.

The Elmer T. Lee bourbon uses the same high-rye mash bill as Blanton's, Rock Hill Farms, Ancient Age, and Hancock's Reserve — one of Buffalo Trace's most versatile and consistently performing recipes. The gold wax top is a presentation variant of the standard expression, distinguished by the gold wax seal and associated packaging. At 90 proof, it is the most approachable bottling carrying Elmer's name, designed to be experienced as he intended: neat or on a single large ice cube.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Golden amber with warm copper highlights.
• Nose: Vanilla, sweet caramel, light berries, apricot, and peaches, with a touch of oak on the tail end. Clove and old leather from the high-rye mash bill.
• Palate: Maple syrup and caramel up front, vanilla and floral notes through the mid-palate, with the crisp clean character that marks Buffalo Trace's premium single barrel offerings.
• Finish: Long and sweet — barrel flavors with oak, tannins, and a burnt sugar and caramel tinge.

Critical Acclaim

• Spirit Journal: 5 Stars / Highest Recommendation — "A fitting liquid tribute to a genuinely great whiskey man and a true pioneer."
• Wine Enthusiast: 91 points
• Whisky Advocate: "An elegant, complex whiskey. The flavors are nice and tight."

Specs

• Distillery: Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, Kentucky
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Single Barrel
• Mash bill: High-rye Buffalo Trace recipe (shared with Blanton's)
• Proof: 90 (45% ABV)
• Presentation: Gold wax top
• Size: 750ml

Explore the full Elmer T. Lee collection or browse all bourbon at Wooden Cork.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the difference between the gold wax top and the standard Elmer T. Lee? The liquid is the same — the gold wax top is a presentation variant with a gold wax seal. Both are single barrel, 90 proof expressions from the same high-rye mash bill. The gold wax presentation is generally associated with commemorative or special allocation bottlings.
• Who was Elmer T. Lee? Elmer T. Lee joined Buffalo Trace in 1949 and served as Master Distiller for decades. He created Blanton's Single Barrel Bourbon in 1984 — the first bourbon ever commercially marketed as single barrel — and personally selected barrels for his self-named expression until his death in 2013 at age 93.
• Why is Elmer T. Lee bourbon historically significant? Before 1984, single barrel bourbon did not exist as a commercial category. Elmer T. Lee created Blanton's and with it the entire premium single barrel bourbon segment. Every single barrel bourbon on the market today traces its commercial lineage to that decision.
• Is Elmer T. Lee still produced? Yes, as an ongoing expression — though specific variants like the gold wax top and commemorative releases are produced in limited quantities. The standard expression is more broadly available through allocated retailers.