Episode 446. Elizabeth McCall-Master Distiller-Woodford Reserve-Brown Forman

Elizabeth is the Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve, a premium bourbon brand under the Brown-Forman Corporation.

Appointed in February 2023, she became the third person and the first woman to hold this position in the brand’s 26-year history.

Educational Background:

• McCall earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in counseling psychology from the University of Louisville.

Professional Journey:

• In 2009, she began her career at Brown-Forman as a sensory expert in the quality department, focusing on sensory analysis and quality control.
• By 2015, she advanced to the role of Master Taster at Woodford Reserve, where she honed her skills in product development and innovation.
• In 2018, she was promoted to Assistant Master Distiller, working closely with then-Master Distiller Chris Morris, who mentored her for over a decade.

Current Role and Responsibilities:

• As Master Distiller, McCall oversees quality and innovation efforts, leads the development of new products, and manages special releases such as the Master’s Collection and Distillery Series.
• She continues to uphold the brand’s commitment to excellence, building upon the foundation established by her predecessors.

Personal Background:

• McCall is a second-generation spirits industry professional; her mother worked for Seagram in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
• She holds the certification of Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS).

Elizabeth McCall’s progression within Brown-Forman and appointment as Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve highlights her bourbon-making expertise and dedication.

Her leadership marks a significant milestone in the industry, reflecting both her achievements and the evolving role of women in the field.