Bourbon whiskey is believed to have been around since the 1700’s, although the first use of the word wasn’t until around 1820. A variety of flavors and styles have been introduced over the years by countless brands, including many that are well known across the globe. So what would possess someone to start a new company called Southern Cross Bourbon and enter the competitive world of Spirits?

“Seeing that veterans had produced spirits in the past – “Horse Soldier” comes to mind – there was nothing on the market that represented the Marine Corps, or specifically the Marine Corps Special Operations (Marine Raiders)”, said Allan Smith, a Marine veteran and co-owner of Crux Distillery.

The team behind Southern Cross Bourbon and Crux Distillery came together after meeting and participating in the Marine Raider Memorial March. The team includes a Marine Raider, a Gold Star wife & mother, an Army veteran and Emergency Room Nurse, and a Firefighter-Paramedic Marine Corps Veteran.

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Southern Cross Bourbon’s name was inspired and rooted after The Southern Cross constellation superimposed on the dagger. It represents the historic achievements of the Marines serving during the Pacific campaign of WWII, specifically those actions on Guadalcanal.

 

The Southern Cross remains a part of the legacy of the modern-day Marine Corps Raider units. Our bourbon is created of 45% Wheated Bourbon, 51% Corn and 4% Malted Barley which has aged for over 5 years and as a high end bourbon, is extremely smooth on the palate.

 

The veteran team behind Southern Cross Bourbon and Crux Distillery came together after meeting and participating in the Marine Raider Memorial March. The four owners,  Danny Draher a Marine Recon-Raider, Destiny Flynn a Gold Star wife & Mother and Army Veteran, Holly Smith an Emergency Room Nurse and Allan Smith a Firefighter-Paramedic and Marine Corps Veteran. Together the team worked hard to blend the perfect bourbon worthy of the history and lineage of the Marine Raiders.

 

Our slogan “May You Find Your Way Home” comes from the men of WWII using their navigation skills and paddling their rafts guided by the constellations so they could find their way home.

 

From our family to yours, “May You Find Your Way Home” and we sincerely hope you enjoy!