“Jump in and do it.” That’s what Damien Kos-Beckwith the Group Bars Manager at 18th Amendment Bar told Bars and Clubs when asked how we can all better support Aussie businesses.
In nearly four years of cultivating relationships with locals, the Geelong bar is now consistently working with its mixologists to bring some of the best local spirits to life.
Kos-Beckwith opened his second 18th Amendment Bar nearly a year ago in Ballarat, saying his bars have been lucky to secure strong ties to the surrounding producers.
He told Bars and Clubs: “We love local. Especially during these times, it has never been more important to look after our own, which is why we have developed some fantastic relationships with local distilleries, breweries and wineries.
“We have been lucky enough to help three local distilleries taste and tweak their gins prior to being released to ensure they work well in classic cocktails. We have also helped produced their first cocktail menu.”
Kos-Beckwith added his vision to support local businesses doesn’t come solely from an internal focus but also from listening to his loyal customers. He said while there are price discrepancies between local and imported spirits, the customers still prioritise supporting Australian-made brands.
He explained: “While there are some amazing products coming in from overseas, our customers are constantly asking for local Australian products (mainly gins at the moment). We also thoroughly enjoy talking to the founders and hearing their stories which help us to sell their products, a standout for us is Eddie and the team at Brookies.
“Jump in and do it. There is a small price difference which always makes people hesitant, but when the consumers know you are supporting local businesses, they don’t mind the extra dollar or two.”
The “prohibition era speakeasy cocktail bar” has also become known for its focus on great cocktails, experiences, and good spirits. And the 18th Amendment mixologists regularly bump heads together to create new drinks.
Kos-Beckwith said: “When it is time to create a new menu we come together as a group and create the drinks and menus as one big team. This ensures everyone has a sense of ownership over the drinks, and helps tell the stories behind the menu, cocktails and ingredients.
“In the Social Media age we are in the unique ‘instagrammable’ drinks help us with word of mouth advertising and spreading the good word about our bars. New menus help us ensure our customers always have something new to come back and try.”
Kos-Beckwith also added how enjoyable it is to be in the cocktail game, saying: “Being from regional Vic we have always enjoyed making great cocktails fun, whether it’s the glass we serve it in, the story behind it or the theatrical way in which we serve it. It’s great to see some Melbourne venues, like Lover, making drinks fun again.”
