The Leeming Bar-based business has seen a significant rise in online orders from the public since launching their own e-commerce platform back in February.

The demand has meant production at the distillery has been able to remain at normal levels and only six of the 34 staff have been furloughed.

Masons staff have also turned their hands to the manufacture of hand sanitiser for the NHS, and 1,000 litres are donated every week for use in hospitals and care homes.

With tours of the new site - which replaced the former base in Bedale which was destroyed by fire in 2019 - suspended since March, gin lovers can now purchase vouchers to visit the distillery that can be redeemed once restrictions are lifted.

“Production is ramping back up now as sales are really starting to increase - they’re mainly online, which is really beneficial for us, rather than from the hospitality trade,” said marketing manager Jody Craddock.

“Our distillers have been splitting their time between the gin side and hand sanitiser production. It’s relatively easy for us to make and as long as there’s a shortage and the community needs it, we will continue to produce it. We’ve been inundated with requests from local businesses and care homes.”

Karl and Cathy Mason began distilling gin 2013, having no prior experience of the production process

It was the support that Masons received from the community after the fire last April that inspired owners Karl and Cathy Mason to ‘give something back’.

“People really came together for us and now we want to help to keep them safe.”

Opening the distillery up to visitors for guided tour is part of the Masons' plans to turn Bedale into a 'destination' town for the gin industry.

Masons Yorkshire Gin ramp up production after demand from lockdown drinkers