Happy Kentucky Derby weekend!
Before we head to Churchill Downs, we wanted to bring y’all the latest feature in our Real Women, Real Clothes series.
You may remember Elizabeth McCall, Woodford Reserve’s Assistant Master Distiller, from our recent Mint Julep recipe post.
She’s on track to be the first female Master Distiller at the Kentucky-based distillery; so calling her “impressive” would be an understatement.
Keep reading to hear more from Elizabeth herself.
Tell us about yourself.
I am a quintessential Kentucky girl; I love to drink bourbon and ride horses!
My family is also really important to me, and I love spending time with my husband and my fur babies.
What’s the best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?
Anything Oprah has ever said! She is so inspiring.
To me, her message usually speaks to the importance of keeping a positive mind set and to practice gratitude every day. Both things are simple yet challenging at the same time.
What’s your favorite part of your work day?
My favorite part of my work day is when I get to catch up with my colleagues in casual conversation. The Woodford Reserve team is like a family; I miss them when I’m traveling and not able to be at the distillery.
What do you do to give back to your community?
I sit on the board of a local nonprofit, Green Hill Therapy. At Green Hill Therapy, we offer physical and occupational therapy for children with a wide range of disabilities utilizing traditional therapies as well as hippo-therapy and aqua therapy.
My horse, Cody Ko, is one of the therapy horses; it’s the best retirement job in town for him! I am very passionate about the mission of Green Hill Therapy–it is so wonderful to see how impactful the therapy is for not just the kids, but their families too.
How would you describe your everyday style?
Bourbon-chic: a cross between equestrian, Southern, and distillery attire (versatile pieces I can wear to work).
What drew you to these particular Draper James pieces?
What I love about these Draper James pieces is there mix of feminitity and functionality. Just because I work in a distillery where I get dirty and sweaty doesn’t mean I can’t look cute at the same time! Plus, these jeans actually move with me which is very important!
What’s your favorite thing about living in the South?
How friendly people are. No matter where you go, you are always greeted with a warm smile and kind hello.
What’s the one thing you can’t live without?
My flatiron. Most mornings my hair has the “Kevin McCallister” look. It’s out of control.
Do you have a favorite “Southernism”?
“Y’all” is my favorite “Southernism,” plus the draw we put on everything. I always joke with people when telling them about where the Woodford Reserve Distillery is located.
Woodford Reserve is in Versailles, Kentucky. It is pronounced “Ver-sails,” not the French way.
