Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel is an allocated, elegantly balanced bourbon poured at Grappa in Queen Anne, Seattle, named for one of the most respected master distillers in American whiskey.

About the Distillery

This bourbon comes from Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the country. It honors Elmer T. Lee, Buffalo Trace’s master distiller from 1969 until 1985, who is widely credited as the father of the modern single barrel bourbon category after selecting and bottling the first commercially released single barrel in 1984. Each bottle continues that tradition, carrying its own barrel and warehouse details.

Style & Mash Bill

Elmer T. Lee is a single barrel Kentucky straight bourbon drawn from Buffalo Trace’s higher-rye Mash Bill #2, the same recipe behind several of the distillery’s most sought-after labels. Being a single barrel, each bottling is selected one cask at a time, giving it a refined, hand-chosen character rather than a blended uniformity.

Tasting Notes

Graceful and approachable, with honey, vanilla, and soft caramel leading into gentle baking spice, orange peel, and a whisper of oak. The texture is silky and the finish clean and warming — a bourbon prized for its balance and drinkability.

What to Pair It With

Its honeyed elegance flatters our American Wagyu Steaks and the savory richness of our Sicilian Meatballs. For a slower finish, enjoy it beside our Charcuterie Board. See the full dine-in menu for more.

How It’s Served at Grappa

Poured neat or on the rocks at $24. We suggest it neat first to appreciate its balance, with ice available on request.

FAQ

Where is it from?

It is produced at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, and named for the distillery’s late master distiller Elmer T. Lee.

What does it taste like?

Graceful and approachable, with honey, vanilla, and caramel followed by gentle baking spice, orange peel, and a soft touch of oak.

What is a single barrel bourbon?

It means each bottle is drawn from one individual barrel rather than blended from many, so every release carries its own hand-selected character.

To enjoy this pour with us, book a table, browse the cocktail & spirits list, and the dine-in menu.