A Gin-Soaked Beginning
Every great story has a beginning, and for Conniption Gin, it all starts with a childhood memory. Founder Melissa Katrincic fondly recalls cocktail hour at her grandparents' house, where gin martinis were the drink of choice, and sneaking olives out of her grandfather’s glass became her first taste of gin culture. This nostalgic connection to the spirit is what fueled Melissa’s later passion for creating a gin brand that honored tradition while embracing modern innovation.
"Go ahead, have a conniption," the brand says—an invitation to experience gin differently, to break from the ordinary and indulge in something new. But where did this name come from? Interestingly, "conniption" refers to an outburst of excitement or emotion, perfectly capturing the thrill of trying a gin that challenges expectations.
Innovation in the Bottle
What sets Conniption Gin apart from its competitors is its commitment to combining art and science. While many gin distilleries stick to traditional methods, Conniption revolutionizes the process by incorporating cold vacuum distillation—a modern technique that preserves the delicate botanicals that would otherwise be destroyed by heat.
In fact, Conniption Gin is the first distillery in the U.S. to employ this method. Using rotary evaporators, the distillation team ensures that even the most sensitive flavors, like cucumber and honeysuckle, remain vibrant and authentic. This process creates a complex, well-balanced gin that’s full of fresh, nuanced notes, making it a standout in a crowded market.
Melissa’s background in the world of spirits and gin led her to develop this modern distillation technique. Partnering with her husband Lee, a former pharmaceutical chemist with over 20 years of experience, they took their scientific precision to craft a gin portfolio that stands out for its superior flavor and balance.
Dual Distillation: Where Art Meets Science
At the heart of Conniption’s innovation is the dual distillation process. This approach blends two worlds—traditional vapor infusion distillation and modern vacuum distillation. Vapor distillation allows for intense botanical extraction, while vacuum distillation carefully handles the more fragile botanicals that would lose their potency at higher temperatures.
This process allows Conniption to retain the bright, fresh notes of ingredients like coriander, juniper, and angelica root while adding delicate flavors of cucumber and honeysuckle through cold distillation. The result? A gin that is supremely smooth, complex, and balanced.
The blend of tradition and science gives Conniption an edge in the market, allowing it to offer gins that are both approachable for casual gin drinkers and compelling for connoisseurs. Whether you're mixing up a classic martini or crafting a more creative cocktail, Conniption's range of gins delivers versatility and sophistication.
The People Behind the Gin
While the innovation behind Conniption Gin is undeniably impressive, the people behind the brand are just as important to its success. Melissa Katrincic, Conniption’s President and CEO, is not only a trailblazer in the distillation industry—she’s also the first U.S. female distiller to be inducted into the prestigious Gin Guild. Her leadership and vision have made Conniption a leader in the modern gin category.
Melissa's partner, Lee Katrincic, brings his scientific expertise to the distillation process. His background in pharmaceutical chemistry helps ensure that every batch of gin maintains the highest standards of quality and consistency. Together, they have created a brand that’s not just about making good gin—it’s about pushing the boundaries of what gin can be.
Leading the U.S. Gin Renaissance
Conniption Gin isn't just another player in the gin market; it’s leading a movement. The U.S. gin market has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with consumers looking for new, exciting flavors that break away from the traditional perceptions of gin as an "old-fashioned" spirit. Conniption has been at the forefront of this renaissance, introducing fresh, modern flavors and a bold distillation approach that has captivated a new generation of gin drinkers.
In 2021, Conniption co-founded the U.S. Gin Association, a testament to its leadership in the category. The association aims to celebrate and promote the creativity and innovation happening in the U.S. gin scene, helping to drive the category forward and expand its reach both domestically and internationally.
Conniption’s Award-Winning Lineup
Conniption’s commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. The brand has racked up an impressive number of awards, solidifying its reputation as one of the top gin distilleries in the United States. Conniption Navy Strength Gin has taken home the gold at the World Gin Awards six years in a row, while the American Dry Gin and the color-changing Kinship Gin have also earned critical acclaim.
In 2024, Conniption made waves once again, winning "Best in the U.S." in multiple categories at the World Gin Awards. This level of recognition from industry experts and international judges highlights the brand’s consistent commitment to quality and innovation.
What’s Next for Conniption?
As Conniption Gin continues to grow, its presence is expanding into new markets across the U.S., including major cities like Boston and Chicago. Additionally, the brand is making waves with its newly launched Conniption Cocktails & Cuisine—a unique bar concept at Raleigh-Durham International Airport that brings Conniption’s award-winning gins directly to consumers.
The future looks bright for Conniption Gin. With its blend of tradition and innovation, the brand is poised to continue leading the American gin renaissance, offering consumers a fresh, modern take on a classic spirit.