Staibano Positano Gin arrives with a name that immediately conjures the sun-bleached cliffs and lemon groves of Italy's Amalfi Coast. At 40% ABV and classified as a London Dry, it sits in the most traditional category of gin — one that demands juniper lead the charge, with supporting botanicals playing a disciplined backing role.
Style & Approach
London Dry is a style I respect precisely because it leaves nowhere to hide. The distillation method prohibits adding anything after the final distillation run, so what you taste is pure craft — or pure shortcoming. At £33.75, Positano Gin occupies a competitive mid-shelf position where it faces stiff competition from well-established London Dry producers. The branding leans hard into Mediterranean lifestyle, and while the specific botanical bill hasn't been confirmed, the Positano name suggests the distillers are reaching for something sun-drenched and aromatic.
Verdict
This is a competent London Dry that does what the category asks. Juniper-forward, clean, and versatile. Where it falls slightly short for me is in distinctiveness — without a confirmed botanical profile or distillery provenance, it's difficult to pinpoint what sets Positano apart in an increasingly crowded market. I'd like to see Staibano be bolder about what makes this gin uniquely theirs. That said, the liquid is well-made and easy to enjoy. I'm giving it a 7.4 out of 10 — solid craftsmanship, but room to carve out a stronger identity.
Best Served
Try this in a Positano Spritz: 50ml gin, 25ml yuzu juice, topped with prosecco and a dash of elderflower tonic over ice. Garnish with a sprig of fresh basil and a thin wheel of bergamot. It bridges the Mediterranean soul of the bottle with something a little more unexpected.
