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Our Distillers

Our Master Distillers

Chris and Elizabeth share the belief that the keys to making the Woodford Reserve are not only time and patience, but art and science. Chris began his career in bourbon in 1976, while Elizabeth joined Woodford Reserve in 2018 to develop new expressions in the spirit of innovation. Their vision, creativity, and passionate pursuit of excellence make Woodford Reserve the World’s Finest Bourbon.

Elizabeth McCall, Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve.

Elizabeth McCall

Elizabeth McCall is the Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve, overseeing quality and innovation and leading special releases, including the Master’s Collection and Distillery Series. She is a Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS).

McCall has a master’s degree from the University of Louisville and began her career as a member of Brown-Forman’s Research and Department  in 2009. 

McCall was a Master Taster and Assistant Master Distiller before being named master distiller in February 2023.

She interacts one-on-one with consumers through personal barrel selections and education on sensory methodology and works to define the quality sensory standard to which every batch of Woodford Reserve must comply.  

Elizabeth and her husband, Matt, have one daughter and a dog, Beasley.

Woodford Reserve is a brand that was built out of pure passion. Every person who touched it was united in building something great. It’s all the pieces that make Woodford so unique and special, from the liquid to the bottle, our home place, Woodford County, and all the people that touch it.

Elizabeth McCall

Chris Morris

Chris Morris is Master Distiller Emeritus for Woodford Reserve.

He was an integral leader in the development  and global growth of Woodford Reserve, serving as Master Distiller for 20 years, from 2003-2023. 

In his emeritus role, Morris advises Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall and works as a brand ambassador, leading VIP experiences.

He is the mastermind behind Woodford Reserve Double Oaked, Rye, Malt and Wheat – and he created the experimental Master’s Collection and Distillery Series. 

Chris was responsible for creating the world’s first bourbon finished in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir Barrels. He’s also credited with developing the world’s first maple barrel; a difficult feat made easier when you command your own cooperage.

A member of the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame, Chris is married with two grown children.

Chris Morris, Master Distiller Emeritus for Woodford Reserve

The idea is to create new and different things with an artisan's touch. Things nobody's ever done before while maintaining the essence of woodford reserve that everyone loves.

Chris Morris

WHERE ARE YOU SHIPPING?

At this time we are only shipping spirits to Kentucky, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota and Washington D.C.