James River Distillery
We are located in the city of Richmond, the capital of Virginia. The James River flows directly through the city and much of Richmond’s spirit revolves around the river. The amazing talent of Richmond in food, drink and the arts, not to mention the beauty of the river and it’s parks, provide ever increasing recreational activities. Groups dedicated to preserving and taking care of all that Richmond has to offer have made our area better than ever.
Just as gin is experiencing a renaissance, so too is the city and the river. All three have a very rich history and we hope to help promote each as Richmond’s premier distillery. We pay homage to this history and spirit in the names of our distillery and our flagship gin, Commonwealth.
Author: Caroline Porsiel
Caroline Porsiel is a master distiller and liqueurist based in East Ellijay, Georgia. She founded House of Applejay, a fine spirits and liqueur distillery, in 2022 with her mother, Sabine, crafting award-winning products like Applejay from Ellijay, Mt. Frozen Knob Vodka, and Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. The distillery won a 2024 Best of Georgia Award and a 2025 Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition for its Winter Cherry Mountain Liqueur. As a founding member of the AMBRU Campaign, launched in 2020, Porsiel advocates for the global recognition of American Brandy and Rum. She continues to drive innovation in the craft spirits industry from her active distillery in the heart of Georgia’s apple country.
