Chris Morris

Chris Morris is a prominent figure in American bourbon, with a career spanning nearly five decades in whiskey production and innovation. Morris began his career in bourbon as a trainee in Brown-Forman's central lab. He represents the third generation of his family to work with Brown-Forman, a major name in the spirits industry. After earning a business degree, Morris joined Brown-Forman full time, working in distilling before moving to Glenmore Distilleries, which was later acquired by United Distillers. He eventually returned to Brown-Forman, where he trained under Lincoln Henderson and later became master distiller.

Morris played a key role in the development and global growth of Woodford Reserve, serving as master distiller for 20 years. He succeeded Henderson as only the second master distiller in Woodford Reserve's history and was appointed the seventh master distiller for Brown-Forman since 1870. During his tenure, Morris became known for his innovation in bourbon production. He was responsible for creating the first bourbon finished in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir barrels and developed the first maple barrel, leveraging Woodford Reserve's in-house cooperage. The Woodford Reserve Distillery also features "The Master's Collection," a line of experimental whiskeys inspired by the Woodford Reserve Charter, a document created by Morris and former Brown-Forman Chairman and CEO Owsley Brown II.

Morris's influence extends beyond Woodford Reserve. He developed brands such as the "Old Forester Whiskey Row Series" and "Old Forester Birthday Bourbon," and oversaw all 17 releases of the Woodford Reserve "Master's Collection," as well as "Woodford Reserve Double Oaked," "Woodford Reserve Single Malt Whiskey," and "Woodford Reserve Rye." Morris also served as vice president of whiskey innovation for Brown-Forman Corporation. His contributions to the spirits industry include authoring the Society of Wine Educators' Certified Spirits Specialist program, introducing tasting notes for bourbon, and developing the Bourbon Flavor Wheel.

Morris is a two-time hall-of-famer, inducted into both the International Whiskey Hall of Fame and the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Whisky Magazine Hall of Fame for his role in maintaining and evolving Brown-Forman's whiskey portfolio. Morris has served on the Kentucky Distillers Association and Kentucky Bourbon Festival Board of Directors and is chairman of the Order of the Writ Society. Woodford Reserve was named the official bourbon of The Kentucky Derby, becoming the first and only bourbon endorsed by Churchill Downs.

With the transition to new leadership at Woodford Reserve, Morris moved into the role of master distiller emeritus, where he continues to advise master distiller Elizabeth McCall and serves as a brand ambassador, leading VIP experiences. His career demonstrates a commitment to whiskey craftsmanship, innovation, and industry expertise, establishing him as a leading authority in American whiskey.