Elmer T Lee vs John J Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon
John J Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon is an interesting bourbon in Sazerac’s portfolio. It’s a single barrel bourbon that uses either Buffalo Trace mash #1 or #2 (couldn’t find the exact one), ships it to Virginia, distills it a 3rd time, then ages it in Virginia. Since it’s a quasi-Buffalo Trace single barrel bourbon, it’s sort-of-kind-of like EH Taylor Single Barrel, Elmer T Lee, Blanton’s, and Rock Hill Farms, which should get you feeling a little tingly inside.
I mention all of this because I’m curious how a single barrel Buffalo Trace bourbon compares to John J Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon. I have some Elmer T Lee left and figure it’s a good time to compare two Sazerac single barrel bourbons from similar mashbills side by side. Bowman still mostly flies under the radar (I’m 100% ruining it aren’t I?) while Elmer T Lee is in sky-high demand, so let’s find out which one is better in this Elmer T Lee vs John J Bowman Single Barrel bourbon comparison.
John J Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon is an interesting bourbon in Sazerac’s portfolio. It’s a single barrel bourbon that uses either Buffalo Trace mash #1 or #2 (couldn’t find the exact one), ships it to Virginia, distills it a 3rd time, then ages it in Virginia.
Since it’s a quasi-Buffalo Trace single barrel bourbon, it’s sort-of-kind-of like EH Taylor Single Barrel, Elmer T Lee, Blanton’s, and Rock Hill Farms, which should get you feeling a little tingly inside.
I mention all of this because I’m curious how a single barrel Buffalo Trace bourbon compares to John J Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon. I have some Elmer T Lee left and figure it’s a good time to compare two Sazerac single barrel bourbons from similar mashbills side by side.
Bowman still mostly flies under the radar (I’m 100% ruining it aren’t I?) while Elmer T Lee is in sky-high demand, so let’s find out which one is better in this Elmer T Lee vs John J Bowman Single Barrel bourbon comparison.
With single barrel bourbons, one thing to always note is that there’s going to be variation and your results may differ.
The below table outlines key facts and figures for each bourbon.
As an FYI, I bought and use these Glencairn glasses for my reviews and comparisons (because they’re the best): Glencairn Crystal Whiskey Glass, Set of 6, Clear, 6 Pack. Full transparency, this is an affiliate link, so I may earn a commission if you buy this or something else from Amazon.
How do they Compare?
And the winner is...
John Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon is far superior to Elmer T Lee, smelling and tasting like the more developed and expensive bourbon. Elmer T Lee is noticeably thinner, lighter, and less interesting. With less of everything else, Elmer T Lee is more fennel and licorice-forward, reminding me a little of MGP rye, while Bowman Single Barrel has so much more toasted sugar sweetness, fruit, oak, and spice wrapped around similar fennel and licorice, providing a more complete experience. Sure, the 5% ABV difference probably matters, but it shouldn’t matter this much. And to be frank, the radar chart doesn’t fully capture the differences.
I’m surprised at the result, although let’s be honest – many bourbons this insanely overhyped (cough…Elmer T Lee…cough cough) aren’t nearly as good as the price should indicate.
Yeah, I’ll still probably chase the occasional bottle, but based solely on the drinking experience, this particular barrel of John J Bowman Single Barrel is the champ, and Elmer T Lee didn’t stand a chance once the fight started. At least for me, this reinforces that you should consider trying Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon if you haven’t already. You probably won’t be disappointed.
John Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon is far superior to Elmer T Lee, smelling and tasting like the more developed and expensive bourbon. Elmer T Lee is noticeably thinner, lighter, and less interesting.
With less of everything else, Elmer T Lee is more fennel and licorice-forward, reminding me a little of MGP rye, while Bowman Single Barrel has so much more toasted sugar sweetness, fruit, oak, and spice wrapped around similar fennel and licorice, providing a more complete experience.
Sure, the 5% ABV difference probably matters, but it shouldn’t matter this much. And to be frank, the radar chart doesn’t fully capture the differences.
I’m surprised at the result, although let’s be honest – many bourbons this insanely overhyped (cough…Elmer T Lee…cough cough) aren’t nearly as good as the price should indicate.
Yeah, I’ll still probably chase the occasional bottle, but based solely on the drinking experience, this particular barrel of John J Bowman Single Barrel is the champ, and Elmer T Lee didn’t stand a chance once the fight started.
At least for me, this reinforces that you should consider trying Bowman Single Barrel Bourbon if you haven’t already. You probably won’t be disappointed.
Shattered glass really sucks, so if you’re on the move, this Glencairn-like stainless steel snifter glass should survive your travels. Full transparency, this is an Amazon affiliate link, so I may earn a commission if you buy this or something else from Amazon.
BrüMate NOS’R, Double-Wall Stainless Steel Whiskey Nosing Glass – 7oz (Matte Black)
Maker's Mark Cask Strength Comparison
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