Elizabeth McCall

Elizabeth McCall wasn’t planning on being the Assistant Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve – or on being in any role in the bourbon industry. In fact, she “thought [her] plan was to be a therapist” (Woodford).

After earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Louisville in 2007, she went on the get her Master’s Degree from the same school in Counseling Psychology in 2009. Little did she know she would, like her mother, become a sensory expert.

After graduating, McCall started working for Brown-Forman’s research and development team in the sensory lab, using her counseling degree as a liaison between human perception and the products developed by Brown-Forman.

She started small from an entry level position where she was “washing dishes and setting up tasting panels.” (Diaz) After expressing interest in a more hands on and consumer-facing position, she was promoted to the role of sensory scientist where she worked for several of Brown-Forman’s giant global brands.

She says of her career at Brown-Forman “From there, I eventually ended up going to our global production facilities - Finlandia and Chambord in France, Herradura in Mexico, Canadian Mist in Canada and Jack Daniel’s in Tennessee. I was educating our team on how to properly nose and taste, what defects to look for and to ensure we use a similar methodology in our production facilities.” (Woodford)

Soon after, Master Distiller Chris Morris realized her potential and hard work and he invited her to train to become a Master Taster at Woodford Reserve and Old Forester in 2015. Shortly thereafter, she was given the title of Senior Quality Control Specialist and Master Taster. (Woodford) After continuing her training alongside the legendary Morris, McCall was again promoted, this time to her most prestigious role yet: in 2018 she was named Assistant Master Distiller of Woodford Reserve, one of the youngest women to achieve such a title in the bourbon industry. (Elizabeth)

From the start, McCall’s laser focus has been on quality control, ensuring that products from Woodford Reserve are consistent with its well-known flavor profile. She also values the people she works with closely to produce Woodford’s Quality products: she says that out of all of her duties as Assistant Master Distiller, working with her team is her favorite, as it is “a great way to stay connected to the day-to-day that’s going on and with the people that are out there because they are the heart and soul of Woodford Reserve. And just staying connected with them is of the utmost priority for me, and to gain their respect and to see that I am part of the team with them.” (Diaz)

Contributed By: Rebecca Bryant

Woodford Reserve Small Batch Collection: Bourbon, Rye, Wheat and Malt Whiskey

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Line

Woodford Reserve Master’s Collection: Four Grain, Sonoma Chardonnay, 1883 Style Sweet Mash, Seasoned Oak, Maple Wood, New Cask and Aged Cask

Contributed By: Rebecca Bryant

Sources Cited:

“Women in Whiskey – Woodford Reserve Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall.” The Whiskey Lifestyle. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kX_HUkBw4Ms

Diaz, Lee. “Behind the Brand: Elizabeth McCall, Assistant Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve.” Reserve Bar Cocktail Lounge. https://cocktail-lounge.reservebar.com/blogs/spirits-explained/behind-the-brand-elizabeth-mccall

“Elizabeth McCall: Assistant Master Distiller.” Brown Forman. https://www.woodfordreserve.com/press-room/elizabeth-mccall/

“Woodford Reserve’s Elizabeth McCall: Career, Bourbon and What’s to Come.” ABC Fine Wine and Spirits. https://www.abcfws.com/interview-with-elizabeth-mccall-woodford.