Woodford Reserve Promotes McCall to Assistant Master Distiller

Bourbon

February 22, 2018

Woodford Reserve named Master Taster Elizabeth McCall the Assistant Master Distiller, the company said.

McCall has worked in Brown-Forman’s Research & Development Department since 2009. In her new role as Assistant Master Distiller, per a press release, she reports to master distiller Chris Morris and will develop and innovate within the Woodford brand.

In 2015, McCall replaced Marianne Barnes, who left Brown-Forman to become the master distiller for Castle & Key distillery.

I’ve seen McCall in action and she has all the whiskey chops you’d expect from somebody who’s been groomed for this moment. She is an excellent presenter and has a great palate. Morris once told me, “she’s very talented.”

Brown-Forman said McCall, 33, is the second generation of her family to work in the bourbon industry. She followed in her mother’s footsteps after earning her master’s degree from the University of Louisville by starting as a sensory expert and working in Brown-Forman’s R&D Department starting in 2009, the company said.

An important thing to note, McCall is well-suited for Woodford Reserve’s future both professionally and philanthropically. Last year, Woodford  announced it is the leading sponsor for the Kentucky Derby, further connecting the whiskey to its state’s other signature industry–horse racing. McCall also serves on the board of Louisville nonprofit Green Hill Therapy where her horse, Cody Ko, serves in the hippotherapy program.

She’s a great fit for Woodford, and I’m sure she’ll make a great master distiller one day.

Fred Minnick is the author of Whiskey Women and Bourbon. Sign up for his free newsletter.

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