Based in Bedale, North Yorkshire, Masons Dry Yorkshire Gin was created by husband and wife team, Karl and Cathy Mason, after the gin lovers were disappointed to find that so many gins tasted the same and lacked any distinction.
But to start from the beginning, the gin aficionados’ first step to creating the product that we know and love today came from one simple idea.
The Masons took their love of gin to social media by setting up the ‘Gin & Tonic Friday’ Facebook group for their friends, so they could all share the pictures of their G&Ts. After being inundated with countless pictures of G&Ts, the group’s fan base grew rapidly to over 10,000 followers.
As the group grew, so did Cathy and Karl’s knowledge and palate, allowing them to become connoisseurs of gin, as well as spokespeople for various events commenting on gin trends and tastes. This is where Cathy and Karl spotted a gap in the market. After tasting so many gins, and finding that many tasted similar and were short of a depth of flavour, the pair decided to take a big leap and craft their own gin, created in their home county in Yorkshire.
The pair underwent hours and hours of tasting, experimenting and distilling to create the perfect flavour and finish which would become Masons Dry Yorkshire Gin, and more importantly a gin that Cathy and Karl would choose to drink and put their name too. They officially launched their product on World Gin Day in 2013.
Spirits expert Daniel Willgoss takes a detailed look at what is making the tipple so popular with gin lovers all across the country.
Distilled using the traditional London Dry Gin method in a copper alembic still, Masons Yorkshire Gin is a small batch craft gin, created in the idyllic market town of Bedale.
With an RRP of £39.99 for a 70cl bottle, Masons Dry Yorkshire Gin would make an ideal gift for the discerning drinker in your life, especially with Christmas just around the corner.
Tasting Notes
The perfect tipple to serve at a dinner party to impress your friends, when paired with a premium tonic and lots of ice, Masons’ complex character allows the drinker to discover new flavours with every sip.
Whilst Masons’ delicate juniper notes subtly come to the fore, the orange and cardamom flavours combine to create an explosion of taste, as well as a blast of citrus. The gin’s fennel and bay leaf herbal tones will then start to introduce themselves, before the refreshing citrus notes return for a lingering finish.
Process & Production
When it comes to distilling, Masons Dry Yorkshire Gin is made in small batches, not because it’s easier, but because Karl and Cathy Mason believe that this traditional distilling method is better, and produces a higher quality product.
Soaking Masons’ unique mix of botanicals overnight in a 300l alembic copper still allows the juniper notes to stay subtle, whilst letting the other flavours to shine. Masons collect only the very best part of the “heart” of the distilling process, a smaller percentage than most distillers, and this part of the process is what delivers Masons’ trademark smooth finish; making the gin good enough to be drank simply over ice (unlike most gins!).
As well as Masons Dry Yorkshire Gin, the Masons distillery also produces three additional variants, which include two gin distillations: a Tea Edition and Lavender Edition; plus Masons Yorkshire Vodka.
Serving suggestions
Mr Mason’s G&T
Take a double measure of Masons Dry Yorkshire Gin, add lots of ice and pour the gin over, then add Fever Tree premium tonic water and garnish with grapefruit zest and add cracked black pepper.
Mrs Mason’s G&T
Pour a double measure of Masons Dry Yorkshire Gin over lots of ice, add premium tonic water and garnish with orange zest for a refreshing citrus burst.
Masons Vesper Martini
Mix two measures of Masons Yorkshire Gin, 1 measure of Masons Yorkshire Vodka, 1 measure of Lillet Blanc and garnish with 3 cranberries.
Yorkshire Garden Fizz
Add a quartered slice of cucumber to a double measure of Masons Yorkshire Gin and crushed ice, top up with 4 measures of Elderflower presse and garnish with a large sprig of mint and a lemon twist.
Gin Yorkshire Rose
Mix 1 measure of Masons Yorkshire Gin with an equal measure of Cointreau, add a wedge of fresh orange and a dash of sugar syrup. Garnish with a white rose petal.
Available online and at a growing list of stockists throughout the UK, ranging from small independent stores to high-end retailers such as Harvey Nichols. For a full list of stockists or to purchase online, visit: masonsyorkshiregin.com.
