Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel—Not a Bottle, The Whole Barrel—Is the Prize in Sazerac's Latest Sweepstakes
Proceeds from donation entries will benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital
September 5, 2025 –––––– Aubrey Thompson
Sazerac Barrel Select (SBS), Sazerac’s members-only single barrel program, is holding a sweepstakes to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Elmer T. Lee Charity Sweepstakes has an alluring draw for single barrel fans, with the opportunity for the public to participate, not just members, to select a barrel of Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel bourbon.
The prized bourbon gets its name from Elmer T. Lee, master distiller of what was once called George T. Stagg distillery, now the modern-day Buffalo Trace. Touted as the father of the single barrel, he was the first to bring single barrels onto the whiskey scene with the release of Blanton’s in 1984. Lee had a revered reputation and was given emeritus status following his retirement in 1985. Two years later, he was honored with his own namesake release. It's made from one of Buffalo Trace’s four key mashbills–No. 2–which is high in rye. It's the same recipe for several of the most sought-after bourbons in the Buffalo Trace portfolio, including Blanton’s, Rock Hill Farm, and Ancient Age.
Those interested in participating can register online beginning at 8:00 a.m. on September 8th through 11:59 p.m. on September 30th. One lucky winner and seven guests will receive an overnight stay at the Stagg Lodge, an invite-only five-bedroom log cabin on the distillery grounds; a distillery tour and catered lunch, and the selection of a barrel of bourbon alongside master distiller Harlen Wheatley, who, after joining in 1995, was mentored by Lee during his emeritus role. Additionally, $18,000 is also a part of the package, which can be used for bottling the selected bourbon. The winner also gets to keep the empty barrel if they choose.
This is the second year in a row that Sazerac has offered a single barrel whiskey through a sweepstakes. Last year, a bottle of Blanton’s Gold Bourbon was the main attraction, along with a distillery experience similar to this year’s offerings. Last year’s efforts managed to raise over $1,000,000 for St. Jude’s.
To enter the sweepstakes, participants must make a minimum $100 donation. The winner will be chosen at random and notified via phone or email during the week of October 6th, 2025.
