Whiskey isn’t for all tastes. In fact, the spirit is often considered a ‘man’s drink’. But that’s exactly the misguided notion that Woodford Reserve Master Taster Elizabeth McCall hopes to change. The Kentucky-based Elizabeth began as a sensory lab technician, working her way through the field until she became a master taster. Not only does this mean that she sips on whisky for a living, but the role is one which sees her take an educational position within the industry, and most recently land in Sydney to promote the Women in Whiskey event. Elizabeth recently spoke to delicious. about breaking barriers, one barrel at a time.

How did you find yourself in the world of spirits?
Whiskey found me. Getting my job was a bit of an accident, to be honest. I studied psychology but I chose Brown-Forman because it looked more appealing than therapy. I started at Brown-Forman as a sensory lab technician setting up panels and washing dishes. Brown-Forman generally hire from within the company so I worked my way up the chain. I took an internal class on spirits, where I made a positive impression on our Master Distiller Chris Morris who, unbeknown to me, was looking for someone to train to be Woodford Reserve’s Master Taster. A few months later, he asked if I wanted to train for the role. I said yes of course!

What other women in spirits do you admire and why?
Rachel Barrie, our scotch Master Blender. She has been paving the way for women in this male-dominated industry for many years, breaking down stereotypes and proving women are just as capable as men.

What do you think is the biggest misconception surrounding whiskey?
That it should only be consumed neat or on the rocks. Whiskey should be enjoyed any way you like it: neat, on the rocks, fancy cocktails, simple mixed drinks or in cooking.

Why do you think it is traditionally seen as a man’s drink?
Prohibition brought about the thought that drinking whiskey was sinful and judgement was placed on women who drank it. It was not socially acceptable for women to drink in public. This changed the view of whiskey to a ‘man’s’ drink and production of whiskey became a ‘man’s’ job, even though many women produced whiskey historically. Advertising and marketing also added to this misconception, making whiskey out to be a ‘man’s’ drink and all light spirits to be easily-mixed ‘girly’ drinks. The tide has begun to turn with women in general. More women are breaking down the gender stereotypes, including the ‘women don’t drink whiskey’ stereotype.

What do you hope to achieve with your role at Woodford Reserve?
I hope to continue to break down the stereotype and be a strong woman making, drinking and educating people on whiskey.

What is your favourite whiskey?
I like them all, but at the moment I’m on a Woodford Reserve Double Oaked kick.

How can more women be encouraged to work within the whiskey world?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions, explore the flavours of whiskey, learn about the production process and say yes to new challenges and opportunities.