The Woodford Reserve family expressions are a favorite among enthusiasts because of their lauded craftsmanship, storied history, and exciting flavors. Discover more about the brand and its history here. A key factor for their continued success is their Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall who is a Certified Specialist of Spirits (CSS). In her role, McCall oversees new product development and innovations; and she’s created a partnership worthy of savoring and celebrating.
In getting to know Ms. McCall, Whiskey Network asked her about her journey at Woodford Reserve. She recalls, “The whiskey industry found me. While at a party for my younger brother, a family friend mentioned an open position in the Sensory Department at Brown-Forman. He worked at the company and the position sounded very interesting, fun, and a place where I could build a career. My passion for beverages and alcohol was discovered in the sensory lab as I learned about all the complexities of whiskey.”
McCall’s hard work and dedication paid off, earning successive roles recognizing her talents and ultimately succeeding the legendary Chris Morris as Master Distiller in 2023.
Now, as a testament to her commitment to innovation, Woodford Reserve has announced a partnership with Compartés, the legendary gourmet chocolate brand. The exceptional quality of the chocolate delicacies created by Jonathan Grahm and his team at Compartés are a natural complement to this incredible whiskey. The special package presents four unique truffles that amplify the flavors of Woodford Reserves Double Oaked to a next-level experience. It goes without saying that the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked expression is one that shines bright for the brand. When asked about the flavors she prefers in whiskey, she offers this “My preferred flavors in whiskey are deep notes of caramel, sharp honey, chocolate and warm toasted oak- which are all flavors of Woodford Reserve’s Double Oaked.”
We asked McCall how this collaboration came about, and she told us “Woodford Reserve Double Oaked truly is the perfect match for Chocolate. When looking for a chocolate partner, Compartés just made perfect sense. Our values as companies align and both Double Oaked and Compartés are a luxury! Chocolatier Jonathan Grahm and I worked together on the pairings, choosing flavors to pair with Woodford Reserve’s Double Oaked bourbon.”
Woodford Reserve provided samples of the chocolate and whiskey for review. The packaging is elegant and inviting. The truffles themselves are unique and visually appealing. Each of the 4 is a unique pairing that drives focus to the flavors that Ms. McCall mentioned, and the entire experience is a delightful and decadent journey.
Woodford Reserve provided samples of the chocolate and whiskey for review. The packaging is elegant and inviting. The truffles themselves are unique and visually appealing. Each of the four is a unique pairing that drives focus to the flavors that McCall mentioned, and the entire experience is a delightful and decadent journey.
First, here is review of the official tasting notes for Woodford Reserve Double Oaked whiskey.
Woodford Researve Double Oaked
90.4 proof
Nose
Rich notes of dark fruit, caramel, sharp honey, chocolate, marzipan, and toasted oak.
Taste
A full-bodied mix of vanilla, dark caramel, hazelnut, apple, fruit, and spices.
Finish
Long and creamy with lingering hints of honeyed apple.
Here is more about each truffle and how it interacts with the whiskey.
Compartes Woodford Reserve Chocolate Gift Box
Butterscotch
The chocolate presents a warm and inviting aroma of butterscotch, on the first nibble an underlying note of coffee beans as a subtle backdrop of complexity. When enjoyed with a sip of the whiskey, the chocolate note soars and becomes the dominant flavor. With a second bite, the butterscotch, scotch, and whiskey meld into a rich and savory blend of coffee and chocolate.
Pear Nutmeg
There is a pleasant aroma of spice that invites one in to try this truffle. On first taste, it is a delicious union of spice and the bright note of dark fruits. With a sip of whiskey, the notes of honey and oak take center stage. Taking another bite, the flavors of oak and honey take root further on the palate. This is a decadently sweet and earthy paradox to ponder.
Maple Pecan
Brown sugar and maple are welcoming on the nose. Diving into this truffle is an explosion of brown sugar and maple flavors. With a sip of the whiskey, brown sugar rises to become the super star of the mix. A second round of the chocolate gives way to a pleasant almond note that melds into the brown sugar. This is an exceptional pairing.
Oak Smoked Salt Caramel
There is a hint of smoke that emanates from this truffle, and it is accompanied by a faint, but sweet, bit of caramel. In taking a bite of this, salt takes a prominent role on the palate with the caramel offering a lingering sweetness to ponder. The saltiness compels one to take a sip of the whiskey and then draws a dominant tobacco note to the forefront. The experience is intense, strong, and compelling.
Clearly, the whiskey and chocolates are a decadent duo that provide an exceptional sensory experience. It’s important to make sure the setting is appropriate to enhance every aspect of the journey. To maximize the pairing, McCall offers this advice: “Jonathan and I recommend tasting a bite of chocolate followed by a sip of Double Oaked. The flavors in the Double Oaked bourbon are very complementary to the flavors in the Compartés chocolate, making them a match made in heaven. With every bite of chocolate followed by a sip of bourbon, you will taste the similarities and how the flavors enhance each other.”
McCall also reflects on her personal values, “I am all about self-care with this collaboration. I suggest enjoying the chocolates and Double Oaked with someone who makes you smile to relax and truly unwind.”
From the conversation, family is a strong value and has been a positive influence on her journey. McCall fondly offers this core memory; “My parents have also been significant influences in my life. They raised each of their three children to follow their passions, that failure is not a bad thing, and to never give up or quit. I feel that because of the solid foundation my parents laid, it gave me the confidence to exceed in my career and to the role of Master Distiller.”
Without question, the duo of McCall and Graham is also a decadent pairing of respective leaders in their own industries. Elizabeth McCall stands tall in the world of whiskey and Woodford Reserve Double Oaked is a testament to her abilities. Jonathan Grahm is one of the most prolific artisan chocolatiers in the country who expresses his unique vision through the elegant chocolate delicacies he offers. This power-packed duo has come together to offer something unique and exciting for enthusiasts to experience.
The chocolate gift box is still available, and you can go here to learn more. In addition, you can find Woodford Reserve Double Oaked at major retailers in your area and learn more here.
Do not wait to experience this iconic and decadent duo, Woodford Reserve bourbon and Compartes chocolate, together.
