Limited edition gin marks comeback for Yorkshire gin business
The new purpose-built premises on Leeming Bar Industrial Estate, just outside Bedale, opened on Friday, 6 March, with an event to thank all those who have supported the firm during the past 11 months, including more than 80 local fire fighters who tackled the blaze.
To mark the relaunch, Masons is introducing Phoenix Edition Gin – a special edition run of the first 2,000 bottles of their best-selling Masons Original Gin, distilled at the new site.
“Phoenix Edition is the first run from our new still in our new distillery,” explains business Director Karl Mason.
“The fire meant that we had to retire our beloved copper stills, Steve and Leftie, so we've been working hard in recent weeks to perfect the process on our new equipment.
“We have been trialling the recipe for The Original to get it absolutely perfect, making sure we recreate that quality and flavour profile that our customers love.”
The limited edition spirit is a thank you to firefighters, community, industry colleagues and supporters alike: Masons are donating money to The Fire Fighters Charity, a total of £5,000 to help support firefighters across the UK.
Masons Yorkshire Gin was set up in 2013 by husband and wife Karl and Cathy Mason, who have spearheaded the spirit's resurgence in Yorkshire.
Other blends in the range include Lavender Edition and Tea Edition (using Yorkshire Tea of course!), plus a Peppered Pear Special Edition.
The brand has continued to go from strength to strength since the fire on 2 April 2019, including scooping 26 awards and picking up the deliciouslyorkshire award for Best Spirit in November.
That’s largely down to their resilient attitude: the Masons team had set up a makeshift office around Karl & Cathy’s dining table the day following the fire, putting plans in place to ensure production could still continue.
“I’m very proud that we have come back from this so successfully without losing any sales, or production. Ahead of the opening, we have even recruited 6 new members to the team to meet our ambitious targets for the future.” says Karl.
“We decided to hold the launch party to show our genuine appreciation for everyone who helped us, from those who lent desks, laptops and stationery to the industry colleagues who offered up their equipment in the aftermath, but especially to all the firefighters who helped us that day.”
To snap up one of the limited-edition Phoenix Edition bottles, which come in a custom-designed box, see www.masonsyorkshiregin.com/shop.