2013: Durham Distillery is founded by Melissa and Lee Katrincic with a mission to modernize American gin using advanced distillation techniques and bold creative vision.

2014: New distillery home transformed a former auto body and coffin workshop into a creative distilling lab in downtown Durham, North Carolina

2015: Launch of Conniption American Dry Gin and Conniption Navy Strength Gin, setting a new standard for modern, U.S.-crafted gins known for exceptional balance and complexity.

Conniption Navy Strength Gin wins Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, one of the most prestigious awards in the industry.

Durham Distillery launches its Cold Distilled Cucumber Vodka, becoming the first to offer an all-natural cucumber vodka crafted through vacuum distillation.

Named Best Craft Gin Distillery in the United States by a leading national ranking.

Melissa and Lee Katrincic are inducted into the prestigious Gin Guild in London, with Melissa becoming the first female U.S. distiller ever inducted.

Durham Distillery becomes one of the first U.S. distilleries to launch spirit-based ready-to-drink (RTD) canned cocktails, including Gin & Tonic, Rose Spritz, and Vodka Soda.

Conniption Navy Strength Gin earns the title of Best Navy Strength Gin in the U.S. from the World Gin Awards, establishing its legacy as a top-tier American gin.


Construction begins on our dedicated cocktail bar on-site at our Washington Street location in downtown Durham. Built into the walkout basement in the distillery, this custom-designed space is meant to highlight our spirits in a modern speakeasy lounge.

Durham Distillery leads the industry response to the COVID-19 pandemic, shifting production to create hand sanitizer and helping distillers nationwide navigate FDA protocols.

Launch of the Corpse Reviver Bar & Lounge (now Conniption Bar & Lounge), a speakeasy-style cocktail experience inside the distillery.

Debut of the first limited release of Conniption Barrel Aged Gin, expanding the portfolio with a bold, oak-aged expression.

Launch of Conniption Kinship Gin, one of the first American gins to feature a color-changing pH from butterfly pea flower. The recipe is developed exclusively by Melissa Katrincic and quickly becomes a fan favorite for its innovation and visual appeal.

Durham Distillery is selected by the RDU Airport Authority to launch Conniption Cocktails & Cuisine, a signature cocktail bar and restaurant opening in 2025 at Raleigh-Durham International Airport.

Conniption Gin earns three Best in the U.S. titles at the World Gin Awards for its Navy Strength, Barrel Aged, and Kinship Gins—marking an unprecedented sweep for an American distillery.

Durham Distillery begins a three-year partnership as the Official Gin of the Florida Panthers NHL team, just before the team wins the Stanley Cup

Conniption Navy Strength Gin wins Best Navy Strength in the U.S. for the seventh consecutive year, while Kinship Gin is named a Top 3 World Finalist for Best Color-Changing Gin.

Conniption Navy Strength Gin is declared the Best Gin in the World by Forbes and Beverage Tasting Institute, solidifying Durham Distillery’s place as a global gin leader.