Who Owns Woodford Reserve?

 

Woodford Reserve — one of America’s most refined and celebrated bourbons — is owned by Brown-Forman Corporation, a family-controlled company headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. Brown-Forman is one of the largest and most respected spirits and wine companies in the world, managing an iconic portfolio of brands that includes Jack Daniel’s, Old Forester, Herradura, and Finlandia Vodka.

Despite its global reach, Brown-Forman maintains strong ties to Kentucky’s bourbon heritage, ensuring that Woodford Reserve continues to embody authentic craftsmanship, small-batch production, and deep respect for the traditions of American whiskey.

Meet the Owner: Brown-Forman Corporation

Brown-Forman Corporation was founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown, a visionary entrepreneur who pioneered the idea of selling whiskey in sealed glass bottles — a revolutionary step in guaranteeing quality and consistency at a time when whiskey was often sold by the barrel or jug. That innovation set the foundation for a company built on integrity, craftsmanship, and customer trust.

Today, Brown-Forman remains a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BF-A and BF-B), but it’s still majority family-controlled by the descendants of George Garvin Brown. That balance between public accountability and family stewardship gives the company long-term stability — a rare quality in the global beverage industry.

Woodford Reserve’s Place in the Brown-Forman Portfolio

Brown-Forman’s portfolio spans some of the world’s best-known spirits, and Woodford Reserve plays a vital role as its premium small-batch bourbon brand. While Jack Daniel’s dominates the global Tennessee whiskey market, Woodford Reserve serves as Brown-Forman’s flagship for traditional Kentucky bourbon.

Other major brands in the Brown-Forman family include:

• Jack Daniel’s: The world’s best-selling American whiskey, produced in Lynchburg, Tennessee.
• Old Forester: The oldest continuously bottled bourbon brand in the U.S., also based in Kentucky.
• Herradura and el Jimador: Award-winning tequilas from Jalisco, Mexico.
• Finlandia Vodka: A globally distributed premium vodka from Finland.
• Chambord, Slane Irish Whiskey, and Sonoma-Cutrer Wines: Expanding Brown-Forman’s international spirits and wine reach.

Woodford Reserve stands out among this impressive lineup for its meticulous production process, use of copper pot stills, and dedication to Kentucky bourbon heritage. It’s considered the company’s most artisanal whiskey, often described as the “crown jewel” of its bourbon lineup.

Where Woodford Reserve Is Made

Even though it’s owned by a global company, Woodford Reserve is made in Versailles, Kentucky — at the historic Woodford Reserve Distillery. This National Historic Landmark is one of the oldest distilleries in America, dating back to 1812. It’s where every step of the process — from fermentation to distillation, barreling, and aging — takes place under the guidance of Brown-Forman’s master distillers.

The distillery’s Kentucky location isn’t just symbolic; it’s essential. The region’s limestone-filtered water, four-season climate, and deep bourbon history all contribute to Woodford Reserve’s signature flavor and quality.

How Brown-Forman Revived the Woodford Reserve Brand

In the early 1990s, Brown-Forman saw an opportunity to restore a piece of Kentucky’s bourbon heritage. The company purchased and renovated the long-idle Labrot & Graham Distillery, investing millions to bring it back to life as a fully functional distillery dedicated to small-batch craftsmanship.

By 1996, the brand officially launched under the name Woodford Reserve, introducing a premium bourbon that blended modern innovation with traditional production techniques. The name pays homage to Woodford County, Kentucky — the heart of bourbon country.

That revival was more than a business move. It reconnected bourbon drinkers to Kentucky’s deep roots, setting the stage for the bourbon renaissance that would explode in popularity during the 2000s and 2010s.

Brown-Forman’s Philosophy: Craftsmanship Meets Responsibility

Brown-Forman’s stewardship of Woodford Reserve goes beyond business. The company prides itself on a corporate philosophy of “building forever” — investing in sustainability, community, and quality over the long term.

Some highlights of this philosophy include:

• Sustainable Distilling: Woodford Reserve uses locally sourced grains, recycles water, and reduces waste in production.
• Community Engagement: The company supports education, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation throughout Kentucky.
• Long-Term Focus: Family ownership means decisions are made with the next generation in mind, not just quarterly results.

This commitment ensures that every bottle of Woodford Reserve not only tastes exceptional but also represents ethical production and environmental respect.

The Leadership Behind Woodford Reserve

While Brown-Forman owns the brand, Master Distiller Elizabeth McCall plays a pivotal role in shaping Woodford Reserve’s identity. She succeeded the legendary Chris Morris, continuing the brand’s legacy of precision and creativity. Under her leadership, Woodford Reserve has expanded its lineup and maintained a reputation for innovation — including limited releases, double-oaked expressions, and experimental cask finishes.

McCall’s expertise ensures that even under corporate ownership, Woodford Reserve retains the soul of a true Kentucky craft bourbon. Her meticulous attention to detail preserves the distillery’s commitment to quality — from grain selection to barrel aging.

Why Brown-Forman’s Ownership Matters

Ownership can significantly shape a brand’s identity, and Brown-Forman’s stewardship of Woodford Reserve has done just that. Unlike many conglomerates that sacrifice quality for volume, Brown-Forman has consistently prioritized authenticity and craftsmanship. The company’s long-term approach allows for patient aging, innovation, and marketing that honors Kentucky’s bourbon story.

Because Brown-Forman also owns Old Forester and Jack Daniel’s, it can leverage its expertise, infrastructure, and distribution network while allowing each brand to maintain its individuality. For Woodford Reserve, that means staying true to its small-batch ethos and handcrafted process even as it’s distributed worldwide.

Brown-Forman’s Global Reach

Though based in Kentucky, Brown-Forman operates in over 170 countries, employing thousands of people across North America, Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Woodford Reserve is one of the company’s fastest-growing international brands, appealing to whiskey enthusiasts who value authenticity, heritage, and balance.

In markets like the U.K., Japan, and Australia, Woodford Reserve is often seen as the pinnacle of American bourbon — representing sophistication and tradition with a modern edge.

Other Bourbons Owned by Brown-Forman

Woodford Reserve isn’t Brown-Forman’s only bourbon, but it occupies a unique niche. Here’s how it compares to its siblings:

• Old Forester: A more classic bourbon offering everyday affordability and deep historical roots — the first bourbon ever sold in sealed bottles.
• Woodford Reserve: Positioned as a premium small-batch bourbon emphasizing craft and complexity.
• Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel: A Tennessee whiskey that shares similar attention to detail but undergoes charcoal mellowing, giving it a distinctive smoothness.

This tiered approach lets Brown-Forman cater to a range of whiskey drinkers — from casual enthusiasts to connoisseurs — without diluting the authenticity of each brand.

Woodford Reserve and Kentucky’s Bourbon Legacy

Woodford Reserve’s ownership is deeply intertwined with Kentucky’s bourbon story. By preserving the historic distillery and maintaining small-batch production methods, Brown-Forman has kept alive a crucial part of American whiskey heritage. Every bottle of Woodford Reserve serves as a testament to the craftsmanship, patience, and pride that define Kentucky bourbon.

From the copper pot stills to the limestone warehouses, the brand’s operations are a living museum of bourbon history — sustained by Brown-Forman’s long-term investment in quality and tradition.

People Also Ask

Who owns Woodford Reserve bourbon?

Woodford Reserve is owned by Brown-Forman Corporation, a family-controlled company based in Louisville, Kentucky, known for producing Jack Daniel’s, Old Forester, and other leading spirits.

Is Woodford Reserve part of Jack Daniel’s?

Both Woodford Reserve and Jack Daniel’s are owned by Brown-Forman, but they are distinct brands. Woodford Reserve is Kentucky bourbon, while Jack Daniel’s is Tennessee whiskey.

Is Brown-Forman still family owned?

Yes. Although Brown-Forman is a publicly traded company, it remains majority family-controlled by the descendants of its founder, George Garvin Brown.

When did Brown-Forman acquire Woodford Reserve?

Brown-Forman purchased and restored the historic Labrot & Graham Distillery in the early 1990s and launched the Woodford Reserve brand in 1996.

Where is Brown-Forman headquartered?

Brown-Forman’s headquarters are located in Louisville, Kentucky, not far from the Woodford Reserve Distillery in Versailles.

Conclusion: A Kentucky Legacy, Globally Celebrated

Who owns Woodford Reserve? The answer is both simple and profound: Brown-Forman Corporation, a company rooted in Kentucky’s distilling traditions and guided by more than 150 years of family stewardship.

Under Brown-Forman’s ownership, Woodford Reserve has grown into a world-class bourbon that still honors its origins. The brand balances heritage and innovation, producing bourbon that captures the spirit of Kentucky while appealing to whiskey lovers around the world.

Every bottle tells a story of craftsmanship, patience, and pride — proof that when legacy meets leadership, great bourbon endures.

Shop Woodford Reserve and Personalized Bourbon Gifts

At Elevated Spirit Shop, you can celebrate Woodford Reserve’s legacy with our collection of engraved bourbon gift sets and personalized whiskey bottles. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or corporate events, our curated bourbon gifts let you share the spirit of Kentucky’s finest craftsmanship — owned and perfected by Brown-Forman.