The chemist & the businesswoman: Meet the brains behind Durham Distillery, Conniption Gin

Good news for gin lovers, some of the finest gin is right here in Durham. Meet Melissa and Lee Katrincic, the couple behind Durham Distillery and Conniption Gins.

Lee was working as a chemist in the pharmaceutical industry when he decided it was time for a career change. And he made quite the career change, indeed.

After working in marketing for many years, Melissa realized the two of them could combine their strengths and start their own business. Now, 10 years later, Durham Distillery is not only succeeding but continuing to grow rapidly.

Lee's background in chemistry truly sets Conniption Gins apart from the rest.

I didn't think there was any connection between chemistry and gin distilling. So I was stunned when I realized how much chemistry is involved in the distilling process.

The Katrincic’s are dedicated to making authentic, high-quality gin. Unlike many other brands, Conniption Gins are infused with real herbs as part of the distilling process – a process that was carefully curated by Lee.

"Using a little bit of magic, a whole lotta science, and a big heapin’ spoonful of healthy curiosity, Lee spent night after night in the family kitchen, covering every surface with vials and beakers of his experimental concoctions – until he perfected Conniption Gin," the distillery said.

The Conniption American Dry Gin and Conniption Navy Strength Gin are recognized as some of the world's best gins, both winning gold at the 2023 World Gin Awards. The Navy Strength Gin was also awarded "Best in the United States" at the 2024 World Gin Awards.

Aged for 10 months in bourbon barrels sourced from High West Distillery, Conniption Barrel Aged Gin is only available for a limited time. Lee is responsible for the Conniption Barrel Aged Gin recipe, which won "Best in the United States" at the 2024 World Gin Awards.

One of Conniption's most fun – and colorful – products is the Conniption Kinship Gin. It's bright purple color is created using butterfly pea flowers that are infused into the gin, resulting in a beautiful indigo hue. This brightly colored gin was the third Conniption Gin to win "Best in the United States" at the 2024 World Gin Awards.

The Katrincic’s have come a long way since they started their business 10 years ago.

Constellation Brands recently became an investor, and the business took off like a rocket.

Now, you can find Conniption Gins in cities like Nashville, New York City and Atlanta. Lucky for us, we can just drive down the street and enjoy a Conniption cocktail.

The distillery also has a connection to Durham's Lithuanian community. Durham Distillery recently took over production of Krupnikas Spiced Honey Liqueur, which was previously the flagship product of The Brothers Vilgalys Spirits Company in Durham.

"I can think of no better fit to take Krupnikas forward than Melissa and Lee Katrincic at Durham Distillery," Brothers Vilgalys' said on its website. "Their award winning Conniption Gins and other liqueurs are all amazing products, and I have no doubt they will bring the same creativity and attention to quality to Krupnikas."

The spiced Lithuanian honey liqueur is a delicious new addition to Durham Distillery.

Tours of Durham Distillery are open to the public. You can purchase tickets at durhamdistillery.com.

Corpse Reviver brings taste of London to Durham

Just below the distillery is Corpse Reviver Bar & Lounge. And, yes, there's a story behind the name.

If you’re wondering how they came up with Corpse Reviver, it's because a coffin maker used to make and sell coffins there before it was transformed into a bar.

The underground bar reminded me of a speakeasy, with the dark lighting and calm ambiance. It's not too loud or crowded, which makes it perfect for a date night or a relaxing night out with the girls.

Corpse Reviver's signature dry martini is inspired by the iconic martini at DUKES Bar in London. Served in a frozen martini glass, the preparation and presentation, alone, make it worth the trip.

It reminded me of "A Simple Favor" when Blake Lively’s character makes the famous martini. I felt so "high-tone."

I really enjoyed the classy but laid-back vibe at Corpse Reviver.

The head bartender, Taylor, also makes it worth the trip. Her knowledge of mixology was impressive, to say the least.

If you don’t see a cocktail on the menu that you like, Taylor is able to easily create a cocktail tailored to your preferences. I was impressed by her creativity and ability to curate a custom, one-of-a-kind cocktail on the spot.

Stop by Corpse Reviver for happy hour, and enjoy a cocktail and charcuterie board.

Martini time: Try the cocktails at home

If going out isn't your scene, you can make a Conniption cocktail at home.

Check out the recipes below.

Martinez

• 1.5 oz Conniption Barrel Aged Gin
• 1.5 oz Bordiga Di Torino Rosso Vermouth
• .036 oz (or a scant barspoon) Luxardo Maraschino liqueur
• 3 dashes Regan's No. 6 Orange Bitters

Add all ingredients to a mixing glass, stir with ice, strain, serve in martini glass, express and garnish with an orange peel.

Corpse Reviver #2

• 1 oz Conniption American Dry Gin
• 1 oz Cocchi Americano
• 0.5 oz Grand Marnier
• 0.5 oz Cointreau
• 1 oz lemon juice
• Absinthe rinse

Combine in a cocktail shaker, add ice and shake. Then double strain it into a coupe.

For more recipes, go to durhamdistillery.com or check out Durham Distillery's on Facebook.

To purchase a bottle of Conniption Gin, Krupnikas Spiced Honey Liqueur, Cucumber Vodka or any of the Damn Fine liqueurs, go to durhamdistillery.com.

You can head over to Durham Distillery and Corpse Reviver at 711 Washington St.