Why This Episode Matters

Elizabeth McCall, Master Distiller of Woodford Reserve, joins the show to talk bourbon, innovation, and what makes Woodford Reserve distinct in a crowded whiskey world.
She explains how barrel toasting, proprietary yeast, fermentation, pot still distillation, and texture shape the Woodford Reserve house style.
The conversation explores the current state of the whiskey market, including slowing demand, oversupply, tariffs, and why Woodford Reserve continues to grow.
McCall discusses what a master distiller actually does — from liquid innovation to protecting the integrity of core products.
The episode also looks at women in whiskey, changing bourbon drinkers, and how Woodford Reserve balances heritage, accessibility, and luxury.

The Banter

Mark Pascal and Francis Schott open the show with a conversation about people who are drawn to hospitality, but may or may not be built for restaurant life.

The Conversation

Elizabeth McCall joins to talk about her role as Master Distiller of Woodford Reserve and the craft behind one of America’s most recognizable bourbons. She explains why Woodford’s flavor profile is built around balance and consistency not just branding or bottle design.

The conversation moves from special releases to the essential work of maintaining quality, protecting core products, and developing future innovations. Elizabeth also discusses the broader whiskey market, why Woodford Reserve remains strong during a challenging period, and what it means to be a woman leading one of bourbon’s major brands.

Timestamps

00:00 — Mark and Francis on restaurant life and the people who wish they could work in hospitality
10:30 — Elizabeth McCall joins, Woodford Reserve: a bourbon success story
16:19 — What creates Woodford’s signature style
25:00 — What a Master Distiller actually does
30:00 — Woodford Reserve Baccarat story
35:15 — Experimental releases, and chasing a coffee note in bourbon
37:15 — The whiskey slowdown and why Woodford is still growing
44:40 — McCall's career and being a woman in whiskey
46:30 — Women whiskey drinkers, buying power, and changing bourbon culture
57:15 — The story of jockey Frank Hayes

Bio

Elizabeth McCall is the Master Distiller of Woodford Reserve. She joined Brown-Forman in 2009, worked closely with longtime Master Distiller Chris Morris, and was appointed Master Distiller of Woodford Reserve in 2023.

Elizabeth leads liquid innovation and helps protect the flavor integrity of Woodford Reserve’s core products while developing future innovations.

Info
Woodford Reserve https://www.woodfordreserve.com/

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