1. Why is it called Conniption Gin? Am I supposed to lose my cool?
Great question! The name actually comes from a little family history. Our founder, Melissa Katrincic, remembers her grandmother Gertrude telling her, “Don’t have a conniption!” whenever she was acting up as a child. It stuck with her as a playful, spirited way to describe someone who’s a little worked up—and let’s face it, we all have those moments.
But when it came time to name her gin, Melissa flipped the meaning. Instead of referring to a temper tantrum, Conniption Gin is about a "fit of inspiration" in the best way possible—the kind of outburst you have when you taste something so exciting, so bold, you can’t help but rave about it. So, no temper tantrums here, folks—just good times in a glass!
2. What makes Conniption Gin so... different?
Oh, where do we start? Conniption isn’t just another gin on the shelf. First of all, we’re proud to say we were the first U.S. distillery to use cold vacuum distillation. (We know, it sounds very “science-y,” but it’s actually pretty cool.) This means that we distill some of our botanicals at lower temperatures to preserve their delicate flavors.
While other gins might cook those poor botanicals into oblivion, Conniption takes the careful approach—especially with sensitive ingredients like cucumber and honeysuckle. We’re basically the gin equivalent of your favorite delicate pastry, baked to perfection.
3. Is Conniption Gin only for hardcore gin lovers, or can a casual gin drinker get in on the fun?
We’ve got something for everyone. Whether you’ve been sipping gin since your grandparents introduced you to their martinis (like Melissa) or you’re a vodka drinker thinking about testing the waters, Conniption Gin is as versatile as it gets.
Our American Dry Gin is so smooth that even people who “aren’t sure they like gin” often fall in love with it. It’s balanced, approachable, and just downright delightful. Meanwhile, our Navy Strength Gin packs a punch for those who like their spirits a bit bolder. Either way, there’s a Conniption for every taste.
4. Speaking of Navy Strength… 114 Proof?! Are you trying to knock me out?
Nope! Well, not unless you want to be knocked out by flavor. Conniption Navy Strength Gin may be 114 proof, but don’t let that scare you. It’s surprisingly smooth—botanically intense, yes, but not overwhelming.
Think of it as that friend who’s always the life of the party but still knows how to carry on an intelligent conversation. It’s packed with deep juniper notes, bright lemon peel, and a few surprises like rosemary and cardamom. You’ll feel the strength, but in the best way possible—like a gentle gin giant.
5. Why does Conniption Gin have so many awards? Are we being dramatic?
Maybe a bit dramatic, but yes, Conniption Gin is just that good. Our Navy Strength Gin has been named Best in the U.S. at the World Gin Awards six years in a row. And we’re not stopping there—our American Dry Gin and the color-changing Kinship Gin have also racked up their share of golds, silvers, and shiny trophies.
In other words, you’re not the only one who thinks we’re America’s Favorite Gin. International judges and critics agree, and we’re pretty sure your taste buds will too.
6. What’s the deal with this dual distillation process?
Oh, we’re glad you asked. Our gins are crafted using a dual distillation process, which sounds fancy because, well, it is. First, we use traditional vapor distillation to extract the bold flavors from botanicals like juniper and coriander. Then we bring out the big guns—cold vacuum distillation—to preserve the delicate flavors of botanicals like cucumber and honeysuckle.
The result? A gin that’s smooth and complex, with layers of flavor that make it perfect for both sipping and mixing. It’s like the Beyoncé of gins—flawless and always ready for the spotlight.
7. What’s this I hear about Conniption Gin being a “leader in the U.S. gin renaissance”?
Why, yes, we are! If you haven’t noticed, gin has had a bit of a glow-up in recent years. Once considered your grandma’s spirit of choice, gin is now taking center stage in craft cocktails, bars, and homes across the country. And Conniption has been leading the charge.
We even co-founded the U.S. Gin Association in 2021 to celebrate and promote all things gin. So yeah, you could say we’re playing a pretty big part in making gin cool again.
8. What’s the story behind Kinship Gin and the whole color-changing thing?
Ah, Kinship Gin—our little showstopper. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser with a twist. Kinship Gin gets its magic from butterfly pea flower, which gives the gin a natural blue-purple-indigo color that changes to a beautiful pink hue when mixed with tonic or citrus.
So not only does it look good on Instagram, but it also makes a mean cocktail. We like to think of it as a fun gin that doesn’t take itself too seriously—kind of like us.
9. Is Conniption Gin female-led? Is that true?
Yes, indeed! Conniption Gin was co-founded by Melissa Katrincic, who has been blazing trails as the first U.S. female distiller inducted into the prestigious Gin Guild. She and her husband, Lee, run the show, with Melissa leading the charge as the mastermind behind Conniption’s growth into one of the most celebrated gins in the country.
And let’s be real—what’s cooler than sipping on an award-winning gin crafted by one of the industry’s top female leaders?
10. Where can I get my hands on America’s Favorite Gin?
Good news! Conniption Gin is expanding into new markets across the U.S., including big cities like Boston and Chicago in 2024. We’re also launching our very own Conniption Cocktails & Cuisine at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, where you can enjoy our gins in creative cocktails before catching your flight.
Can’t wait that long? You can always order Conniption or find us at your local liquor store. So, go ahead, have a Conniption—America’s Favorite Gin is only a click away.