ELIZABETH MCCALL
Master Distiller , Woodford Reserve
First industry job : Brown-Forman sensory technician Favorite drink : Woodford Reserve Rye Manhattan
Woodford Reserve ’ s Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall is emblematic of how young professionals should approach their careers : with openness , eagerness and an eye for opportunity .
“ The beverage alcohol industry sort of found me ,” she says . “ While at a party for my younger brother , a family friend mentioned an open position in the sensory department at Brown-Forman . He had the company and the position sounded very interesting , fun , and a place I could build a career . My passion for beverage alcohol was discovered in the sensory lab .”
McCall followed her passion up the ladder at Woodford Reserve , jumping at opportunities to take on new roles and more responsibilities . This eventually led to her current position .
“ The professional accomplishment I am most proud of is becoming Master Distiller for Woodford Reserve ,” she says . “ Being able to grow at Brown-Forman has been such an honor and amazing experience .”
How can others try to emulate her remarkable career path ? “ I am a big fan of lists and writing down your goals each year ,” she says . “ Every year I take stock of where I am and where I want to go . Then I write down my ideas and turn them into actionable tasks . You have to make sure that your goals aren ’ t too lofty , they have to be practical and measurable . I can get very big with my ideas but over the years I ’ ve learned to break them down . This sets me up for success .”
McCall hopes that she can help change the makeup of a fast-evolving industry .
“ The whiskey industry was previously a very male dominated industry ,” she says . “ Being the first female Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve , I look forward to continuing to break the mold and to grow further .”
“ I want to inspire others in the beverage industry to always chase their dreams and do what it takes to accomplish their goals ,” she adds . “ I feel that within just the past five years or so , there has been a major intentional change in attitude , it feels so much more welcoming to people of diverse backgrounds , genders , LGBTQ +, you name it . It feels so good to see this change .”
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RACHEL NEWMAN
Senior Vice President Marketing , Bonterra Organic Estates
First industry job : Marketing Coordinator for a London wine importer Favorite drink : Bonterra Organic Estates ‘ The Roost ’ Chardonnay or an extra dirty gin Martini
Bonterra Organic Esates has undergone tremendous change in recent years – the name itself replaced Fetzer Vineyards as the company ’ s overall branding last year . A few months later founder Paul Dolan passed away , an event that Rachel Newman calls the biggest challenge of her career .
“ I feel a tremendous sense of obligation to take the brand to the next level of excellence to honor his legacy ,” she says . “ He was a primary catalyst for the creation of the Regenerative Organic Certification , so this challenge goes beyond brand-building . For me it ’ s an invitation for impactful engagement in ways not typically executed by wine brands .”
Over the years Newman has risen to the challenge in other areas , from launching new brands to increasing internal engagement . Last year , she established the Impact and Education Departments , which fostered teamwork and cultivated a shared vision and sense of purpose within the company . She also led the international marketing campaign “ Tastes Like Saving the Planet .”
In 2023 she collaborated with the president of sales to create the Origins Collection Fine Wine Division , a team of experts focused on marketing , selling and educating the trade about luxury wines . That team approach is pivotal to her success .
“ Everything I ’ ve accomplished has been in tandem with a team of talented , dedicated professionals connected by shared values ; I wouldn ’ t have it any other way ,” she says . “ I am surrounded by a team doing industry-leading work with passion and fulfillment .”
16 2023 BEVERAGE INFORMATION GROUP 40 UNDER 40