In the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong, two unassuming young men with a shared passion for distilling set out to make their mark. Nicholas Law, a lawyer, and Jeremy Li, an employee at a startup company, joined forces in April 2017 to create Hong Kong's first truly local spirit brand—N.I.P. The brand name, "Not Important Persons," pays homage to the countless unsung heroes who make Hong Kong the vibrant city it is today.

Nick and Jeremy firmly believe that anyone can achieve their dreams with grit and determination, regardless of their background. Embodying this indomitable spirit, they embarked on a journey to learn the art of distilling from renowned distilleries in Scotland and Australia, even enlisting the guidance of the master distiller from Four Pillars Distillery. After 16 months of design and manufacturing, they commissioned a 220-liter copper still from Germany, affectionately named "April" to mark the beginning of N.I.P's adventurous journey. In late 2019, Hong Kong Craft Distilling Co. was officially established, becoming one of the first distilleries to obtain a distilling license in Hong Kong since the ban on local distillation in 1844.

N.I.P's flagship product, "Nip Rare Dry Gin," is a harmonious blend of traditional gin-making techniques and authentic Hong Kong flavors. This meticulously crafted gin features 21 natural botanicals, including juniper berries, Chinese angelica, osmanthus, and aged tangerine peel, capturing the essence of Hong Kong. The piney notes of juniper berries meld seamlessly with the delicate citrus notes of aged tangerine peel, complemented by the freshness of kumquat and the lingering sweetness of Shoumei tea, creating a complex yet balanced flavor profile that embodies Hong Kong's cultural heritage and unyielding spirit.

Beyond Nip Rare Dry Gin, N.I.P has introduced a range of products that showcase Hong Kong's unique characteristics. "N.I.P Exotic City Gin" highlights locally grown perfume lemons, unveiling the lesser-known agricultural treasures hidden within this concrete jungle. The "CATNIP Gin" series marries top-quality Chinese teas with gin, featuring exquisite varieties like Phoenix Honey Orchard and Da Hong Pao, offering a truly one-of-a-kind tea-infused experience.

Every N.I.P product is a testament to the founders' love for Hong Kong culture and their commitment to preserving its heritage. From the artistic calligraphy on the bottle labels to the embossed "victory" character on the bottle base, each element cleverly incorporates iconic Hong Kong motifs. The distillery even features a bar area that offers guided tours and event spaces, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the essence of Hong Kong culture through the flavors of gin.

As Hong Kong's first authentic local gin brand, N.I.P is making waves on the global stage, shining a spotlight on the city's vibrant spirit. The story of these two "nobodies" who turned their unwavering passion and love for their hometown into a thriving business is a microcosm of Hong Kong itself—a place where anything is possible with hard work and determination.