The Vision Behind Conniption: Blending Tradition and Innovation
When Melissa and Lee Katrincic founded Conniption Gin, their goal wasn’t just to make another gin—it was to revolutionize the way gin is distilled. Melissa’s childhood love for gin, sparked by stealing olives from her grandfather’s martini, may have been the first step in this journey, but it was the couple’s combined expertise in the world of spirits and science that gave Conniption its distinctive edge.
Conniption Gin’s mission is simple: take the best elements of traditional gin-making and combine them with modern distillation techniques to create a spirit that is fresh, complex, and balanced. This fusion of old and new is what makes Conniption Gin truly unique.
The Dual Distillation Process: Art Meets Science
At the heart of Conniption Gin’s innovation is its dual distillation process, which brings together two different methods to create a perfectly balanced gin. This process blends traditional vapor distillation with modern cold vacuum distillation, resulting in a spirit that is both bold and delicate, complex yet smooth.
1. Traditional Vapor Distillation: Intensifying the Bold Botanicals
Conniption starts by using vapor distillation, a method that has been part of gin-making for centuries. In this process, steam is passed through botanicals like juniper, coriander, and fresh orange peel, extracting their oils and intensifying their flavors.
For Conniption, this step is all about creating a robust base with strong, botanical-forward notes. The intense flavor of juniper, the signature ingredient in any gin, is preserved through this method, along with the citrusy brightness of orange peel and the warm spice of coriander.
2. Cold Vacuum Distillation: Preserving the Delicate Flavors
While vapor distillation is great for hearty botanicals, more delicate ingredients like cucumber and honeysuckle don’t fare as well under high temperatures—they lose their subtlety and complexity. That’s where cold vacuum distillation comes in.
Conniption Gin was the first U.S. distillery to use cold vacuum distillation, a technique that allows them to distill botanicals at much lower temperatures. Using rotary evaporators, the distillation occurs under vacuum conditions, which lowers the boiling point of the botanicals, preserving their delicate aromas and flavors. The result is a fresher, more nuanced gin, with bright, floral notes that complement the bolder flavors extracted during the vapor distillation process.
The two distillation methods are then combined to create Conniption’s signature gins, each with a distinctive flavor profile that is both complex and approachable.
Why Cold Distillation Matters: A Flavor Revolution
So why does cold vacuum distillation matter so much? It all comes down to flavor. Traditional distillation methods, which rely on high heat, can sometimes "cook" the botanicals, causing them to lose some of their brightness and complexity. By contrast, cold vacuum distillation preserves those delicate, fragile flavors that would otherwise be lost.
For example, cucumber, a notoriously difficult botanical to distill, shines through in Conniption’s American Dry Gin. Its crisp, clean flavor is perfectly preserved through cold distillation, giving the gin a refreshing quality that pairs beautifully with classic gin cocktails like the Gin & Tonic or a Negroni. Honeysuckle, another delicate botanical used in Conniption’s gin, adds a subtle floral note that elevates the spirit without overpowering it.
This precision and attention to detail are what set Conniption apart from other gin brands. Their gins are smooth and balanced, with no harsh aftertaste—just a clean, pure expression of each botanical.
The Botanicals: A Symphony of Flavor
At Conniption Gin, every botanical is carefully selected to create a harmonious blend of flavors. Juniper, of course, is the star, as it is in any gin, but Conniption’s lineup also includes a range of botanicals that add complexity and depth to the final product.
- Juniper: The backbone of any gin, juniper provides the classic piney, resinous notes that gin lovers know and love.
- Coriander: Adds a touch of spice and citrusy brightness.
- Fresh Orange Peel: Brings a zesty, fresh note to balance the earthiness of juniper.
- Cucumber: Distilled using cold vacuum distillation, cucumber adds a crisp, clean freshness that’s perfect for summer cocktails.
- Honeysuckle: A delicate floral note that rounds out the gin, adding complexity without overpowering the palate.
These botanicals, combined with Conniption’s dual distillation process, create a gin that is both bold and refined, perfect for a range of cocktails or enjoyed on its own.
Conniption Gin’s Award-Winning Lineup
Conniption’s innovative distillation process hasn’t just caught the attention of gin lovers—it’s also earned the brand numerous awards. Conniption Navy Strength Gin has won the gold at the World Gin Awards six years running, cementing its reputation as one of the best gins in the world. The American Dry Gin has also received widespread acclaim for its balanced, approachable flavor, making it a favorite among both casual drinkers and connoisseurs.
In 2024, Conniption took home even more accolades at the World Gin Awards, with Kinship Gin and Barrel-Aged Gin both being recognized as the best in the U.S. in their respective categories. These awards are a testament to Conniption’s commitment to quality, flavor, and innovation.
The People Behind the Process
Of course, none of this would be possible without the passionate team behind Conniption Gin. Melissa Katrincic, the brand’s co-founder and CEO, has made a name for herself as a leader in the spirits industry. As the first U.S. female distiller to be inducted into the Gin Guild, she brings both expertise and vision to the brand.
Her husband, Lee Katrincic, serves as Conniption’s master distiller. With over 25 years of experience as a pharmaceutical chemist, Lee brings a scientific rigor to the distillation process, ensuring that every batch of Conniption Gin is consistent and of the highest quality. Together, the Katrincics have built a brand that combines their passion for gin with their dedication to innovation and craftsmanship.
Behind Every Bottle: Craft, Science, and Passion
Conniption Gin isn’t just another spirit on the shelf. It’s a product of passion, precision, and a desire to push the boundaries of what gin can be. By blending traditional techniques with modern science, Conniption has created a line of gins that are not only award-winning but also accessible, complex, and incredibly smooth.
Whether you’re sipping on their bold Navy Strength Gin or enjoying the delicate floral notes of the American Dry Gin, each sip of Conniption is a reminder of the care and craftsmanship that goes into every bottle. So, the next time you pick up a bottle of Conniption Gin, take a moment to appreciate the science and artistry that brought it to life.