Yorkshire gin brand makes comeback after devastating fire

Nine months after a fire that destroyed its distillery, Masons Yorkshire Gin has revealed it will be opening its new distillery in early 2020.

On the morning of 2 April 2019, the original award-winning Masons Gin distillery went up in flames, destroying everything.

A 24-hour emergency contingency plan was put in place by the directors and staff to continue production and, with the support of their community and industry colleagues, there was no loss of production.

Launched in 2013, the business was started by Karl and Cathy Mason. The couple explained they recognised an opportunity to capture the growing gin boom within their region.

Masons Gin produces over 400,000 bottles of gin per year and works with both on and off trade customers nationally and internationally. It has been globally recognised for its products, having won multiple awards including the prestigious International Wine and Spirits Competition Gold medal.

Its premises will be based just outside of its original Bedale site at a purpose-built unit on Leeming Bar industrial estate, North Yorkshire. The 12,368 square ft site will be open-plan and will house its production, bottling plant and offices, all self-contained underneath one roof.

Karl Mason, co-founder and director of the company, said: “It goes without saying that without the incredible response from the fire department and the support we have received from our staff, community and our industry colleagues, we would not be in the fortunate position we are in today.

“The most important things for us immediately after the fire were the safety of the staff and the continuation of our business. We built this business on love and care, and that was incredibly important to us throughout sourcing our contingency plans.”

The new distillery will open in early 2020 and will be open to the public later in the year.