Aldi Gin : Masons provides two new flavours for Father’s Day!
Masons of Yorkshire has fast become one of the UK’s most recognisable gin brands. Karl and Cathy Mason launched the business in 2103 on World Gin Day and continue to oversee innovation within this sector. Their gins have won some of the world’s most prestigious awards. These include Gold Outstanding at the International Wine & Spirits Competition (IWSC) and Gold, three years in a row, at the World Gin Awards.
Ryebeck supplies distillery equipment
Ryebeck has worked with Masons for several years, supplying high-quality equipment the company uses to produce its award-winning gins. Lockdown did not quell the distillery’s creativity and in October last year, we reported on their new Masons Orange & Lime Leaf Gin. Like most of their other gins, Masons make this on Tony, the 1000L still that Ryebeck sourced and commissioned. Occasionally, the team also uses a 450L still, which Ryebeck also supplied.
Additionally, they have been using a 5L still for development. However, they recently ordered a new trial still from Ryebeck, so will soon be using that.
Contract distilling
In addition to producing their own gins, Masons began contract distilling in 2018 at their old site. Unfortunately in 2019, that was destroyed by fire. So, the company relocated the following year to new premises. You can read the story of Masons’ recovery from this devastating fire and how Ryebeck helped them grow here.
Masons supplies Aldi
In early 2020, they began contract distilling in a brand-new purpose-built facility. One of their customers is Aldi, the nationwide supermarket chain that’s built a strong reputation for the quality of its drinks offerings.
Karl Mason explains how their partnership began. “We met the Aldi buyer at a trade show in London about five or six years ago. Several requests were made to us in the first two years after meeting. However, we were too small to meet the requirements economically. We needed to grow to produce fast enough and get some economies of scale. The first gins we made for Aldi were under our G12 brand name, still London Dry but made as multi-shots. They packed a great flavour and the second one, Grapefruit and Mandarin, was very well received.”
Aldi’s Haysmith Gins
Haysmith’s is Aldi’s brand name for their own label, multi award-winning botanical gin range and Masons is currently Aldi’s partner of choice for these gins.
The Haysmith’s London Dry is a classically bold style, clearly juniper-led with citrus to the fore and spicy tones. “It’s a punchy gin“, says Karl, “using warming spice which adds a delicious complexity to the liquid. For this, we use a mixture of different peppercorns and cardamom pods which deliver a sweet, delicate spice that is not usual in most gins.”
The new Masons Gins at Aldi
For Father’s Day, Aldi has launched two exclusive special editions at £14.99, also made by Masons. Part of Aldi’s June Spirits Festival, these new gins are inspired by the myths and legends surrounding the Summer Solstice.
According to folk traditions, Summer Solstice (21st June) is the most magical time for herbs and botanicals to bloom. Like the sun, which is at its peak on the longest day of the year, plants are at their most powerful.
- Elements by Haysmith’s Solar is a floral-based gin, distilled using three different flowers, with the addition of blackcurrant to bring through a wonderful fresh sweetness on the finish. “Natural flavourings sharpen the taste and add distinct layers of complexity“, says Karl. The solar ‘fire’ of the sun brings life to earth and this gin will add some extra light to your day!
- Elements by Haysmith’s Eclipse Gin is a beautifully balanced London Dry gin, distilled with sweet floral notes and Szechuan peppercorn for a deliciously peppery punch with each sip. Gin-fluenced by the mystery of darkness, you can enjoy this gin under the light and energy of the moon with a dash of chilled tonic and a cucumber garnish!
Whether it’s soaking up the energy of the sun, or sipping cocktails with friends on a moonlit night, Aldi’s new out of this world gin offering is sure to give you a stellar experience!
… and don’t forget World Gin Day – it’s this Saturday 12th June!
Author: Robin Goldsmith of The Write Taste.
