He’s the founder of Masons Yorkshire Gin and set the brand up after his G&T Friday Facebook page went viral. Who better to ask for their top 6 gins other than Karl Mason?
I’m often asked what my favourite gins are and, despite having my own brand, I got into this field for my love of gin, so I do try plenty of others as often as I can. Our Tea Edition is my benchmark but excluding my own, these are my go-to gins…
1. Martin Miller’s Original Gin. This was the first gin I fell in love with. It’s distinct, it stands out as unique and that’s what I look for in a gin. It’s perfect for summer as it’s so light and smooth but garnish it with a simple fresh sage leaf and it’s transformed to strong and bold.
2. No.3 London Dry Gin. I first tried this when Berry Brothers sent me a complimentary bottle to promote on my Gin & Tonic Friday Facebook page. What struck me was the cleanness and quality of the juniper flavour. It oozes quality and I’ve used it to make some amazing gin cocktails.
3. Pink Pepper Gin. This French Gin appeared on the scene a couple of years ago and it was an instant hit with my palate. It features juniper and sweet pink peppercorn notes in layers, and will transform your G&T so far from the norm it’s incredible.
4. Citadelle Gin. Another French Gin, this time with 19 different botanicals, which all shine. This is the most floral gin in my top six recommendations, but at no point does it become a onetrick pony. It’s still herbaceous with a citrus and juniper tang making it tickle those taste buds.
5. Tarquin’s Seadog. A real punchy gin. Very, very dry which I love yet still warm, – but at 57 per cent what else would you expect? It’s still fresh, spicy and has a hint of citrus.
6. Old Raj Dry Gin. Another high strength gin, although at 55 per cent it’s not quite Navy Strength but it’s certainly an end-of-evening tipple. This was one, if not the first, gin to be distilled using saffron which gives it a wonderful faint yellow tint. Lovely and spicy and fantastic to drink simply over ice.
