2014
Ragged Branch was founded by Alex Toomy, his brother-in-law Russell Nance, and his friend Chris Sarpy. With the help of legendary Master Distiller, Dave Pickerell, and son, Josh Toomy, they created a Wheated Bourbon mash bill. The distillery mashed in on July 7th, 2014. Months later, they decided to create a Rye Bourbon mash bill which later became the Ragged Branch Signature Bourbon.
2015
Ragged Branch, with a very successful harvest of rye grain, created their first Straight Rye Whiskey mash bill. Also, they began farming corn, rye, and cattle on Pounding Branch, a 722-acre farm just down the road from the 92 Acres. The name of this farm would later be the inspiration for the name Ragged Branch.
2017
Tasting Room Opens
2024
In order to keep up with demand, Ragged Branch moved production to a larger facility in Augusta County on the family farm of founder Alex Toomy.
2025
With bourbon production now in Augusta County, the original property has been reimagined with the help of Alex Toomy’s children, Josh Toomy and M. Toomy. Named after the amount of acreage that makes up their family farm, 92 Acres produces our own spirits while continuing to sell Ragged Branch products in the Tasting Room.
Today
With the creation of 92 Acres, comes an opportunity to try out new recipes, new drinks, and new ideas, while staying true to the Ragged Branch experience that customers have enjoyed since 2017. We welcome all that would be willing to try out something new to our beautiful tasting room.
Josh Toomy
General MAnager & Master Distiller
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Josh Toomy, our General Manager and Master Distiller, grew up on the farm where the tasting room and distillery sit, raising cattle and managing the land. He was with Ragged Branch from the very beginning, trained by the late David Pickerell. He was the head distiller from the first mash at Ragged Branch until he left in 2023 to pursue a new career. When his uncle and Ragged Branch co-founder, Russell Nance, approached him to help start 92 Acres, he gladly accepted the chance to return to his childhood farm and start a new business.
M Toomy
Operations Manager
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M. Toomy, our Operations Manager, grew up on the farm that now is home to 92 Acres. With a passion for videography and photography, she received a degree in Media Arts and Design with a concentration in Journalism from JMU, followed by a move to Glasgow, Scotland for her Masters Degree in International Relations from the University of Glasgow. She returned to her hometown and when her uncle and Ragged Branch co-founder, Russell Nance, approached her to help start 92 Acres, she gladly accepted the chance to return to her childhood farm and start a new business.
Amy Stevens
Chief Mom
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Amy Stevens, sister of Russell Nance and mom of Josh and M Toomy, came aboard in the summer of 2025 once her brother convinced her to join the new family business, 92 Acres. She brings experience in business from running a boutique real estate firm and short-term rental business with her husband, Ross. She is excited about the opportunity to work with her family in continuing the traditions established by Ragged Branch.
Josh Rossiter
Bartender, Mixologist
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Josh Rossiter, educated at Ivy Tech Culinary School, has been creating amazing dining and cocktail menus for 20 years. With experience in fine dining and mixology, Josh has been crafting a delicious seasonal cocktail menu for the tasting room since he began working there in 2017. Together with his wife, Candice, Chef Josh owns and operates Bourbon Chef Events where they work together to elevate dining to an art form.
Jess Miles
Bartender, Wellness Provider
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Jess Miles started working in the Ragged Branch tasting room back in 2018. She has enjoyed sharing the rich culture of bourbon with people and crafting delicious cocktails ever since. She is excited to continue on with 92 acres as we grow to offer delicious, new spirits and expand the possibilities of what the property will offer. When she isn’t bartending, she is providing wellness experiences to individuals and groups, both indoors and out, as an ACE-certified personal trainer and Sylvotherapy Practictioner. Both personally and professionally, you can find her sharing her love of hiking, paddle boarding, and practicing yoga.
Russell Nance
Founder
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Russell Nance, a founding partner in Ragged Branch and a partner in the New York office of Mayer Brown LLP, was raised in the Shenandoah Valley and appreciates the uniqueness of the Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Mountains and the Piedmont. When Ragged Branch made the decision to move production to Augusta County, he saw the opportunity to expand on the ideals of Ragged Branch and to keep the land in the family by creating 92 Acres.
Vanessa Cruz
BARTENDER
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Born and raised in Virginia, she is a Virginia Tech graduate, ACE Certified Personal Trainer, and entrepreneur with businesses in personal training and pet care. She is passionate about helping others embrace fitness, health, and wellness while creating an active and balanced lifestyle.
She is a proud mom of two adult children and several fur babies. Outside of work, she loves staying active, spending time in nature—especially the beach—attending concerts, traveling, and making memories with her family and friends. She believes life is about staying active, enjoying the journey, and finding joy in the things and people you love.
DeAnna Robertson
BARTENDER
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DeAnna Robertson is a Charlottesville local who believes life is best enjoyed with loved ones, dogs, a beautiful view, and, of course, a great cocktail. When she’s not at 92 Acres, DeAnna works as a Project Manager for a gaming company. Outside of work, she loves spending time outdoors, whether she’s running, hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, or relaxing at the beach. She also enjoys traveling, discovering great food, and catching live music whenever she can. One of her favorite parts of bartending at 92 Acres is sharing the incredible mountain views and meeting new people. You’ll often find her bouncing around Charlottesville or spending quality time with her two daughters, her loved ones, and, of course, her two spoiled dogs.
Tia Gallitz
Bartender, Mixologist
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Tia has spent the last 5 years behind the bar, crafting drinks and creating great experiences for every guest. A born-and-raised Wisconsinite, she brings that Midwest hospitality with her. When she’s not behind the bar, you’ll find her outdoors hiking, swimming, and running. She also enjoys spending her free time with her husband and dog. You will often see her helping at the polo games in Crozet.
