Elizabeth McCall takes over as Woodford Reserve master distiller
Woodford Reserve has promoted Elizabeth McCall to the role of master distiller, the Bourbon brand’s third in its 26-year history.
McCall takes over the position at the Kentucky-based distillery from long-time mentor Chris Morris, who will assume the position of ‘master distiller emeritus’.
As master distiller, McCall will oversee quality and innovation across the Woodford Reserve brand, including its limited Bourbon releases such as the Master’s Collection and Distillery Series.
McCall, who is also a mentor for the OurWhisky Foundation, said: “I am humbled to stand upon the foundation built by Chris Morris, who is one of the most well-known and respected master distillers in the world. I look forward to following in his footsteps and crafting the world’s finest Bourbon.”
McCall joined Brown-Forman’s research and development department in 2009, and has been training to step into Morris’ shoes since becoming master taster in 2015. In 2018 she was appointed assistant master distiller.
Morris added: “I am proud of – and confident in – Elizabeth’s ability to maintain the award-winning flavor profile of the Woodford Reserve family into the next generation. Her inquisitive nature bodes well for those who have come to expect innovative flavour concepts from our Master’s Collection and Distillery Series offerings. The future couldn’t be more promising for Woodford Reserve.”
