First Impressions
Masons Original is the flagship expression that launched the Yorkshire gin brand — distilled with Harrogate water and a closely guarded recipe featuring spicy botanicals including Szechuan pepper, cardamom, fennel, and bay leaf. From this base, Masons has built an empire of award-winning expressions (Tea, Lavender, Pear & Pink Peppercorn), but the Original is where it all began.
Tasting
Secret recipe with Szechuan pepper, cardamom, fennel, bay leaf, and classic botanicals. The nose is spicy and complex with Szechuan tingle and cardamom warmth. On the palate at 42%, warm and spicy: Szechuan pepper's numbing quality, cardamom sweetness, fennel anise, bay leaf herbs. The finish is Szechuan tingle with cardamom warmth.
The Bottom Line
Masons Original earns a 7 — the gin that launched Yorkshire's most awarded gin distillery. The Szechuan pepper is the signature: a numbing spice that sets this apart from every other Yorkshire gin. Best in a G&T with Indian tonic and a twist of pink grapefruit. At £31, the foundation of the Masons empire.
