Apple Blossom Time for 160th Show

Apple blossom from the Great Yorkshire Showground will give a unique flavour to a special limited edition gin being created to mark the show’s 160th anniversary.

Masons Gin in Bedale is creating the new gin from blossom collected from the showground’s own trees, with around 100 bottles available to buy at the show.

Cathy Mason, who set up the business with husband Karl, said: “We wanted to do something to mark this big anniversary and to tie our special distillation in with the show.”

The blossom has come from trees in the showground’s own orchard, planted by the Northern Fruit Group in 2001 and featuring 15 Yorkshire heritage varieties dating back to the 1800s.

Show Director Charles Mills said: “This year is a big celebration for the show and we are delighted that Masons are helping us to toast our 160th anniversary in true Yorkshire fashion and in a way that incorporates a real link to the showground and its beautiful landscape.”

Masons is known for its dry Yorkshire gin and, as well as original, has developed a range of flavours since it was established five years ago, including Lavender and Tea. The gins have won a host of awards, with the latest being the UK’s Best Contemporary Gin for the Lavender and Gold Taste winner for the Original, both at the 2018 World Gin Awards.

The distillery is no stranger to producing more uncommon flavours, with Distilled Sloe, Steve’s Apple and Peppered Pear among previous special editions.

Cathy visited the show as a child but had a gap of some years and was astounded to see how much the event had grown and developed over the years when Masons exhibited for the first time four years ago. She said: “We love the show. Last year we had ten members of staff there and they all loved it too. It’s exhilarating and I am very excited about this year.”

The special edition Apple Blossom gin will be available only from the Masons stand in the Food Hall at the show.