Tejas Liquor had their south Austin grand opening and released some rare stock to commemorate the event and since my wife is on a business trip(if you read this please get some 291 Rye!) it seemed like a good day to hang around at a liquor store. I managed to snag a few things and we’ll be kicking off those reviews with Elmer T Lee. This is a single barrel release from Buffalo Trace honoring a former Master Distiller of the same name. In my experience this juice is pretty hyped so let’s see if it lives up!
Review
Age: NAS
Abv: 90 proof (45% ABV)
Color: A medium gold
Price: $39.99
Neat
Nose: Very strong with notes of vanilla and a bitterness almost like hops to it. A little astringent as well.
Taste: Very sweet with honey and dark fruit notes. A little thin on the mouth.
Finish: A nice combo of spice and vanilla for a surprisingly long finish
On a rock
Nose: Significantly muted by the ice though the vanilla still carries through
Taste: The ice improves the mouth feel and largely leaves the notes intact. The honey is the most prominent note on the rocks.
Finish: Shortened a bit but still vanilla and spice
Conclusion
It’s a good whiskey, no doubt about it but maybe it was just a little overhyped for me. As far as Buffalo Trace’s single barrel offerings go I think I’ll stick with EHT SiB and Blanton’s especially given how hard this is to come by. That said if you get the chance to order a pour or pick up a bottle for near retail I’d definitely recommend it.
7 - a great whiskey I’d order at a bar
A review of something a step up: Old Weller Antique
A review of something not quite at this level: Evan Williams Single Barrel
Scale
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