Our Name
We have been asked on many occasions why we chose the name Three Crosses Distilling Company. For us the meaning is three fold. The shield comes from the Davenport family crest and symbolizes our devotion to family. The three crosses, known as fiched crosses, which were warrior crosses carried into battle during the Crusades, represent John's service in the United States Army, as well as a symbol of our faith. It seems fitting that these symbols that represent faith, family, and service to country, have now become our family motto and most recently the heart of our business.
Our Causes
As part of our commitment to being a good community partner, Three Crosses is committed to donating time and a portion of the revenue from our bottle sales to local causes. For each review period, we will pick a charity related to one the causes that are important to us: supporting our military, police, firefighters, and other first responders; wildlife preservation and no-kill animal shelters; community outreach; and women’s causes. We’ve recently supported such great organizations as: Veteran’s and Athletes United (VAU), Powhatan Animal Control, Powhatan Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and local Rotary chapters.
Our Team
John and Michelle Davenport, Owners and Distillers
John's interest in distilling came from a fascination with Appalachian culture growing up among family and friends that made distilled spirits as a part of life. What began as a passing hobby, turned into a love of the history and lore that surrounds whiskeys and rums. Michelle, a lover of Bourbon, wanted a spirit she could call her own. Eventually, she trekked to a traditional bourbon distillery in Kentucky to study the making of whiskey firsthand. Michelle is now only one of the few female distillers in the state of Virginia. Together, John and Michelle Davenport strive to produce only the highest quality spirits using locally sourced ingredients to provide a product worthy of bearing the family crest.
John: Email Michelle: Email
John's interest in distilling came from a fascination with Appalachian culture growing up among family and friends that made distilled spirits as a part of life. What began as a passing hobby, turned into a love of the history and lore that surrounds whiskeys and rums. Michelle, a lover of Bourbon, wanted a spirit she could call her own. Eventually, she trekked to a traditional bourbon distillery in Kentucky to study the making of whiskey firsthand. Michelle is now only one of the few female distillers in the state of Virginia. Together, John and Michelle Davenport strive to produce only the highest quality spirits using locally sourced ingredients to provide a product worthy of bearing the family crest.
John: Email Michelle: Email
Justin Adams, Bar Manager
Being a great innovator, Justin has helped highlight and expand on the flavors of each of spirit with a full menu of speciality cocktails, changing periodically. Each cocktail goes through extensive trials until it is just right for the tasting room menu. Not professionally trained in the art of mixology, Justin revels in the creative aspect of crafting cocktails, and enjoys naming them even more. While themed menus are tinkered, he also works in production behind the scenes with the stills, learning hands on, in order to concoct his own gin recipe. It is currently in the works, but with Justin it has to be just perfect before being released to the public.
Email
Being a great innovator, Justin has helped highlight and expand on the flavors of each of spirit with a full menu of speciality cocktails, changing periodically. Each cocktail goes through extensive trials until it is just right for the tasting room menu. Not professionally trained in the art of mixology, Justin revels in the creative aspect of crafting cocktails, and enjoys naming them even more. While themed menus are tinkered, he also works in production behind the scenes with the stills, learning hands on, in order to concoct his own gin recipe. It is currently in the works, but with Justin it has to be just perfect before being released to the public.
Email
Cat Porter, Marketing Manager
Being a lover of bourbon, Cat was excited to get the chance at working at a distillery. She is always excited to learn something new and a bit of everything each day about the distilling process. Along with being behind the bar, she finished her Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications which has lead to her taking over social media, website details, and branding materials to help further the company; both growing together. While she enjoys the business part of the company, she enjoys making cocktails and designing the most.
Email
Being a lover of bourbon, Cat was excited to get the chance at working at a distillery. She is always excited to learn something new and a bit of everything each day about the distilling process. Along with being behind the bar, she finished her Bachelor's degree in Mass Communications which has lead to her taking over social media, website details, and branding materials to help further the company; both growing together. While she enjoys the business part of the company, she enjoys making cocktails and designing the most.
Tara Powers, Head Kitchen Staff
With owning an already highly successful bakery here in Powhatan, Vanilla & Bourbon, Tara has put a homey southern feel into the distillery's restaurant, The Table at Three Crosses. Along with "juzshing" up some amazing southern classics, she adds a whole new meaning to, "having your cake and drinking it too." Her desserts are filled with our spirits for a match made in heaven and she has only expanded her palette for the boozy things in life with adding them to our menu.
Email
With owning an already highly successful bakery here in Powhatan, Vanilla & Bourbon, Tara has put a homey southern feel into the distillery's restaurant, The Table at Three Crosses. Along with "juzshing" up some amazing southern classics, she adds a whole new meaning to, "having your cake and drinking it too." Her desserts are filled with our spirits for a match made in heaven and she has only expanded her palette for the boozy things in life with adding them to our menu.
Roy Davenport, Vice President & National Sales Director
Roy brings nearly 50 years of c-suite management and sales leadership to Three Crosses’ distribution efforts. For 28 years Roy led the growth and expansion of one of the Southeast’s largest Occupational Health and Safety consulting firms, E.L.B. & Associates, initially as Vice President and eventually President, CEO. He, along with John and daughter Heather also own a sports franchise for children called i9 Sports in the Greenville/Spartanburg area of South Carolina. In his spare time Roy enjoys art and many of his paintings can be found in Open Art Gallery in Greenville. He now leads the efforts to increase the market presence of Three Crosses products outside its home base of Virginia.
Roy brings nearly 50 years of c-suite management and sales leadership to Three Crosses’ distribution efforts. For 28 years Roy led the growth and expansion of one of the Southeast’s largest Occupational Health and Safety consulting firms, E.L.B. & Associates, initially as Vice President and eventually President, CEO. He, along with John and daughter Heather also own a sports franchise for children called i9 Sports in the Greenville/Spartanburg area of South Carolina. In his spare time Roy enjoys art and many of his paintings can be found in Open Art Gallery in Greenville. He now leads the efforts to increase the market presence of Three Crosses products outside its home base of Virginia.
