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Elizabeth McCall named Woodford Reserve’s assistant master distiller
Elizabeth McCall has been appointed as assistant master distiller for Kentucky Bourbon brand Woodford Reserve, making her one of the youngest female distillers in the US.
The 33-year-old had previously worked for the premium Bourbon brand as its master taster and has been a member of Brown-Forman’s research and development department since 2009.
In her new role McCall will work under the direction of master distiller Chris Morris on the innovation and the development of new products within the Woodford Reserve portfolio.
“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 her as she begins her new role,” he added.
Mint Juleps at the Kentucky Derby are made with Woodford Reserve
“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.
McCall 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 working as a sensory expert in Brown-Forman’s R&D department.
As master taster, McCall helped develop tasting notes for various Woodford Reserve expressions and worked to define the sensory standard to which every batch of Woodford Reserve must comply.
In addition to her duties at Woodford Reserve, McCall sits on the board of Louisville nonprofit Green Hill Therapy where her horse, Cody Ko, serves in the hippotherapy programme.
Crafted in small batches, Woodford Reserve is the official sponsor of the Kentucky Derby, which takes place each year at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May.
The favoured drink during the derby is the Mint Julep, a refreshing mixture Bourbon, sugar and mint served in pewter cups overflowing with ice. During derby weekend a staggering 127,000 Mint Juleps are made for thirsty attendees.