‘The Future Couldn’t Be More Promising’: Elizabeth McCall Hired As 3rd Master Distiller in Woodford Reserve History

Elizabeth McCall has been named the third master distiller in Woodford Reserve history. (Photo: Woodford Reserve)

On Monday, Kentucky whiskey distillery Woodford Reserve announced that Elizabeth McCall has been elevated to master distiller. McCall becomes the third master distiller in Woodford’s 26-year history. She will succeed Chris Morris, who will be named master distiller emeritus.

“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,” McCall said in a news release. “I look forward to following in his footsteps and crafting the world’s finest bourbon.”

In her new role, McCall will “oversee quality and innovation efforts” and lead rare bourbon releases including the Master’s Collection and Distillery Series.

“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,” Morris said. “Her inquisitive nature bodes well for those who have come to expect innovative flavor concepts from our Master’s Collection and Distillery Series offerings. The future couldn’t be more promising for Woodford Reserve.”

McCall has been with Brown-Forman since 2009, when she was hired as a senior technician. She later held the titles of associate sensory scientist and master taster and senior quality control specialist for Woodford Reserve. Then, in February 2018, she was named assistant master distiller. Five years later, and the “assistant” has been axed from that title.

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