Three Crosses
Distilling Company
About us
Three Crosses is the first legal distillery in Powhatan County, Virginia. We proudly hand-craft spirits to our exacting standards. Truly a hobby that got out of hand, our current 150 and 250-gallon stills are hand-built in Missouri by Affordable Distilling Company. Together, we have created an environment where people can come in and enjoy handcrafted spirits while making some new friends; that’s what Three Crosses Distilling Co. is all about.
Our Team
John and Michelle Davenport, Owners and Distillers
John, our Master Distiller, became interested in distilling due to 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. His love of the craft has also led to him becoming a Certified Bourbon Steward. 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
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 has also helped in production behind the scenes with the stills, learning hands on, in order to concoct his own gin recipe. After many alterations and experimenting, our perfected Old Buckingham Gin was the result!
Tara Powers, Executive Chef / Kitchen Manager
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.
Kevin Keefer, Head Distiller
Kevin brings years of experience within the industry to Three Crosses. From distribution to marketing and sales, Kevin has learned a little bit of every aspect of the process. After he finished at VCU, he decided to pursue his love of whiskey by going back to school and studying Distillation Studies from the University of Kentucky. Kevin started with us as the Assistant Distiller, but his passion and love for the craft have helped him take on more challenges. Like our Master Distiller, Kevin is also a Certified Bourbon Steward. Along with John, Kevin is responsible for development and production of all of our spirits. He has also developed his own bourbon recipe, which is currently aging in secret in our rickhouse, just waiting to be the perfect age!
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.
Hayley Boczar, Restaurant Manager
Hayley is a Powhatan local that brings previous restaurant experience to The Table at Three Crosses. She helps Tara lead the efforts in the kitchen, while also coaching other team members within the restaurant functions of Three Crosses.