Durham Distillery | Conniption Gins

Beverage ManufacturingUnited States11-50 Employees

Founded in 2013, Durham Distillery is rewriting the story of American gin. Based in Durham, North Carolina, we produce Conniption, the highest awarded craft gin in the United States, and pioneer the modern gin renaissance. By blending time-honored methods with proprietary cold vacuum distillation, we craft spirits that are bold, modern, and unmistakably refined.

Since opening in 2015, Durham Distillery has earned more than 60 national and international awards, including three Best in the U.S. titles at the 2024 World Gin Awards for Conniption Navy Strength, Barrel Aged, and Kinship. In 2025, Navy Strength extended its streak with a seventh consecutive national win, while Kinship was named a Top 3 finalist for Best Color-Changing Gin in the World. That same year, Conniption Navy Strength was celebrated as the Best Gin in the World by the Beverage Testing Institute and featured in Forbes.

Conniption Gins are sugar-free, gluten-free, and made with all-natural ingredients. They are available across NC, SC, FL, VA, GA, TN, NY, NJ, PA, IL, MA, CO, MD, and Washington, D.C., with Direct-to-Consumer shipping via ConniptionGin.com.

Our portfolio also includes Damn Fine Liqueurs, Cucumber Vodka, the new Damn Fine Vodka (launched August 2025), Conniption Canned Cocktails (Gin & Tonic, Cucumber Vodka & Soda), and Krupnikas Spiced Honey Liqueur. Beyond the bottle, we invite you in through elevated hospitality with the Conniption Bar & Lounge in Durham (opened 2020) and Conniption Cocktails & Cuisine, opening at RDU Airport in October 2025.

Led by Melissa and Lee Katrincic, Durham Distillery is proudly female-led and science-forward. Melissa made history as the first U.S. female distiller inducted into The Gin Guild, and together they remain the only distillers from the American South to receive that honor. Under Melissa’s leadership, we champion innovation, inclusivity, and female entrepreneurship while shaping the future of American gin.

It’s the gin that made you love gin.

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