Woodford Reserve's Master Taster Elizabeth McCall Promoted to Assistant Master Distiller

Woodford Reserve Distillery - Master Taster Elizabeth McCall Promoted to Assistant Master Distiller

Woodford Reserve Distillery has announced the promotion of Elizabeth McCall from Master Taster and Senior Quality Control Specialist to Assistant Master Distiller. McCall has been a member of Brown-Forman’s Research & Development Department since 2009. As Assistant Master Distiller, McCall will continue working under the direction of Master Distiller Chris Morris on the innovation and the development of new products within Woodford Reserve.

Woodford Reserve Distillery - Assistant Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall

“Elizabeth brings not only exceptional sensory and analytic skills to the distillery but also an inspiring passion for Woodford Reserve,” Morris said. “I look forward to continue mentoring Elizabeth as she begins her new role of Assistant Master Distiller.”

2nd Generation Bourbon Industry

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. As Master Taster, McCall helped develop tasting notes for various Woodford Reserve expressions. Additionally, she worked to define the sensory standard to which every batch of Woodford Reserve must comply.

“It has been the utmost pleasure to work with the Woodford Reserve team as Master Taster and I look forward to continuing to elevate my skills and broaden my knowledge as we craft the world’s best bourbon,” McCall said.

Stay Informed: Sign up here for the Distillery Trail free email newsletter and be the first to get all the latest news, trends, job listings and events in your inbox.

Elizabeth got to roll up her sleeves last summer and help make whiskey the old school way at the George Washington’s Distillery in Virginia. She was part of a group of industry professionals who were there to celebrate the distilleries 10th anniversary since it was rebuilt in 2007.

George Washington's Distillery - Distillers from across the U.S. — (L to R) Master Distiller and Owner Saints & Monsters Consulting Lisa Wicker, Catoctin Creek Distilling Co-Founder Becky Harris, Hillrock Estate Distillery and WhistlePig Distillery Dave Pickerell, George Washington’s Distillery Director Historic Trades Steve Bashore, Wild Turkey Distillery Brand Ambassador Bruce Russell, Ewan Morgan, National Director, Diageo Masters Of Whiskey, Woodford Reserve Distillery Master Taster & Sr. Quality Control Specialist Elizabeth McCall, Woodford’s Brand Ambassador JP Mattingly, Angel’s Envy Distillery Production Manager Kyle Henderson, Huber’s Starlight Distillery Founder Ted Huber, Woodinville Whiskey Co. Co-Founder and Distiller Brett Carlile, North American Director of Quality for Campari/Wild Turkey Doug Knopf, ‎ Westland Distillery Master Distiller Matt Hofmann, Vice President Vendome Copper & Brass Works Mike Sherman, Jim Beam Distillery Master Distiller Fred Noe, Angel’s Envy Distillery Chief Innovation Officer Wes Henderson, A. Smith Bowman Distillery Retired Master Distiller and Consultant Joe Dangler and MGP Director of Distillery Process Engineering Gordon Working, Diageo’s Ewan Morgan.

When Elizabeth is not using her expertise at the distillery, she is passionate about her family, horses and being involved in her community. She sits on the board of Louisville nonprofit Green Hill Therapy where her horse, Cody Ko, serves in the hippotherapy program. Elizabeth also enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Matt, and dog Beasley.

Please help to support Distillery Trail. Sign up for our Newsletter, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.