510 - Is Woodford Reserve a Luxury Brand? With Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall

Bourbon Pursuit

Hobbies, Food, Arts, Leisure

4.9 • 866 Ratings

🗓️ 17 April 2025

⏱️ 69 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this episode we welcome back Elizabeth McCall, who has been appointed Master Distiller of Woodford Reserve since our last conversation with her. From her early days as a Taste Test Technician in the sensory lab to her current role, Elizabeth reflects on her profound bond with Woodford Reserve and its significance in events like the Kentucky Derby. There's a ton of pressure that comes with being the official bourbon of the Derby and it's fitting that we're now releasing this as we come into Derby season once again. The episode explores the evolving bourbon culture and the challenge of connecting with both seasoned enthusiasts and newer consumers. Elizabeth highlights her innovative projects and other collaborations you've likely seen. The we dive into discussions about future releases and the balance between luxury and accessibility where Woodford Reserve plays a delicate balance Show Notes: Significance of Woodford Reserve at the Kentucky Derby Elizabeth McCall’s rise to Master Distiller from sensory lab technician The art of tastings and engaging with diverse bourbon audiences Navigating traditions while appealing to the modern drinker Highlights of innovative Woodford Reserve projects Balancing luxury appeal with bourbon's heritage Support this podcast on Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	And then when I go home, I'll probably play some Madden
0:03.0	and may think about writing my book, work on my book,
0:05.8	and then I'll get my kids.
0:06.9	True, true artist.
0:07.9	Keep procrastinating.
0:09.1	Is that part of the pre-writing ritual?
0:12.1	It's the thought process.
0:12.7	Yeah, it's the thought process.
0:15.2	Gets the juices flowing.
0:16.2	Yeah, gets everything going and, you know.
0:19.3	And then when the kids get home, I'll be like,
0:20.9	oh, Jack, I got to, I'm feeling the writing.
0:22.9	I got to go.
0:24.7	It just hit.
0:25.7	It just hit.
0:26.3	This is Bourbon Pursuit, the official podcast of Bourbon, bringing to you the best in news, reviews, and interviews with people making the bourbon whiskey industry happen.
0:47.9	And I'm one of your host, Kenny Coleman.
0:49.8	In this episode, we welcome back Elizabeth McCall, who is now the appointed master distiller of Woodford Reserve,
0:56.0	and that's been since our last conversation with her that we had back on the show.
1:00.0	From her early days as a taste test technician in the sensory lab to now her current role,
1:05.0	she reflects on her profound bond with Woodford Reserve and significance in events like the Kentucky Derby. And there's a
1:11.4	ton of pressure that comes with being the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, and it's fitting
	...

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