Nicholas Law, a lawyer, and Jeremy Li, an entrepreneur in the field of online communities, have known each other for a long time. Every time they meet, their drink of choice is gin. Nicholas even has a collection of over a hundred gin brands. In April 2017, the two friends finally decided to pursue their dream of creating their own gin. At that time, Hong Kong did not have a local spirit that truly represented its own land, nor were there any micro-distilleries.

By the end of 2019, Nicholas and Jeremy obtained the government's approval for a distilling license and established the Hong Kong Craft Distilling Co. Their company logo combines elements such as mountains, water, and the letters "H" and "K," symbolizing their connection to the land. They named their brand "Nip," which stands for "Not Important Persons," paying tribute to the unsung but essential individuals in Hong Kong. It also serves as a reminder that although the brand was founded by two unknown individuals, they strive to make a name for themselves in the industry.

The calligraphy on the bottle label, featuring the words "Nip" and "Not Important Persons," was done by a renowned calligrapher, Hua Go, who is known for his work in Hong Kong films. The embossed character "Sheng" (勝) at the bottom of the bottle is inspired by the distinctive battle cups found in Hong Kong dai pai dongs (open-air food stalls). After a hard day's work, Hong Kong people gather at these stalls to chat and enjoy drinks. Finishing the cup signifies a victory, reflecting the spirit of hard work and perseverance of the people of Hong Kong.