They began posting reviews of their favourite finds, followers followed, and soon 10k people were on the page. It started to take up a lot of time and they had the lightbulb moment: what if we did this all the time?
And Masons of Yorkshire was born. And in June 2023 the company, now employing 24 people, celebrates ten years in the business and is based in beautiful Bedale, and exports all over the world. The original distillery was destroyed by a fire in 2019, and the brand has grown back bigger and stronger.
This year sees the first foray into Tropical - a London Dry infused with mango, pineapple has been massively well received all over the country. With big brands such as Strongbow and Sierra Tequila coming through with great new products with tropical flavours, this is the summer to go full-on feel good flavour.
This month also heralds a collaboration with Magic Rock Brewery: the Botanicalist Gin & Tonic IPA.
Launched just in time for Beer Day Britain, (15 June 2023) and Father's Day (18 June 2023) these two Northern English powerhouses Masons of Yorkshire and Magic Rock Brewery have paired up to launch Botanicalist, a zesty Gin & Tonic IPA, packed to the brim with juniper and hops, all brewed and canned in Yorkshire. Combining state-of-the-art distilling with cutting-edge brewing techniques, this is a delicious mix of eight different botanicals made into a clean and crisp classic IPA.
World Cocktail Day 13 May, 2023: Masons of Yorkshire also creates outstanding vodkas. Masons has just launched a delicious twist on the negroni at the Henrietta Hotel in Covent Garden. Out of the Night is their version of a Negroni but made with Mason's Espresso Vodka, Punt e Mes, Luxardo Maraschino Liquer and garnished with a cherry.
It is the perfect drink for a pick-me-up and the end of the night, or a post-dinner cocktail, but with the crispness of the Espresso Vodka and the cherry flavours we're seeing people enjoy them in the summer sunshine too. A deliciously indulgent drink that can be enjoyed all day. It is so popular they ran out of our vodka the other day, and someone had to run to an independent down the road and top up stocks. I visited last week - such a great spot to go if you're in town with exceptional staff - and drinks!
B2B wise, Karl says: "This year we're ensuring that we'll attend as many trade shows as possible. It's been incredible for us to get back out on the road and meet customers face to face again and letting them taste our products.
"As the big retailers only do range reviews twice a year, it's vital for us to keep the momentum going with our small independents as they are the backbone of our business. We've just attended the Harrogate Flower Show, about to go to the Lichfield Food Festival, RHS Flower Show, Hampton Court Palace Food Festival, and many more - it's going to be a busy summer. Come and say hello if you're around."
https://www.masonsofyorkshire.com.