Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon vs Blue Run Spirits Double Oak Single Barrel Rye: Bourbon vs Rye Showdown arrives with the quiet confidence of a spirit that knows its own worth.
Cross-category comparisons are always fun. Today we pit a Bourbon against a Rye: Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon takes on Blue Run Spirits Double Oak Single Barrel Rye in a battle that transcends regional tradition.
While these two whiskeys come from different worlds, comparing them reveals what makes each style unique and which might suit your palate better.
Specifications at a Glance
| Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon | Blue Run Spirits Double Oak Single Barrel Rye | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Emeritus at Buffalo Trace Distillery | N/A |
| Type | Bourbon | Rye |
| Age | N/A | N/A |
| ABV | 90 proof | 106.2 proof |
| Price | N/A | N/A |
| Rating | 8/10 | 8/10 |
Nose
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon: Floral, yeasty, fragrant and bready. Mash notes are prominent and dried corn is always evident. Hang with it a spell and you’ll even find cocoa lurking in the background. It’s Eau de Rickhouse in a bottle. Tasting it reveals all the basics of toasted oak, caramel, vanilla, fruity rye and sour mash, followed by bonus licks of pipe tobacco, yeast, fruit, even crème caramel. It treads gingerly on the palate.
Blue Run Spirits Double Oak Single Barrel Rye: Lovely oak, slight aromas of berry jam, hints of orange peel. I also got a little bit of char as if from a well bbqd steak.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon: Tasting it reveals all the basics of toasted oak, caramel, vanilla, fruity rye and sour mash, followed by bonus licks of pipe tobacco, yeast, fruit, even crème caramel. It treads gingerly on the palate.
Blue Run Spirits Double Oak Single Barrel Rye: Nice blend of oak and sweetness. Little burn at the end, very pleasant, as if to say I am still here! I also get a little bit of dark chocolate covered candied orange peel. Mint spiciness comes in towards the end as well and lingers on.
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon: The finish delivers a bit more oak and then disappears without a trace down the gullet. It just drinks cleanly, bereft of a warming burn – which I do like in many cases.
Blue Run Spirits Double Oak Single Barrel Rye: Comments: Double oaked, single barrel rye; No age statement; 106.2 proof
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
Pricing varies by market, so check your local retailer for current rates on both bottles.
With both bottles in a comparable price range, the decision comes down to flavour preference rather than wallet size.
The Verdict
This is a genuinely close call. Both Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon and Blue Run Spirits Double Oak Single Barrel Rye have their strengths, and picking a clear winner depends entirely on what you value most in a whiskey.
We'd recommend trying both if you can. Each has qualities that make it worth a pour.
Read the Full Reviews
- Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon – Full Review
- Blue Run Spirits Double Oak Single Barrel Rye – Full Review
Final Reflections
Elmer T. Lee Single Barrel Bourbon vs Blue Run Spirits Double Oak Single Barrel Rye: Bourbon vs Rye Showdown is the kind of bottle that rewards the curious — those willing to sit with a glass and let the story unfold at its own pace.
