We had a chat with bartender Damien Kos from 18th Amendment Bar
A little while ago we asked you who the best bartenders in Geelong were, and by no surprise, Damien Kos' name from the 18th Amendment bar came up a few times. Well, quite a lot.
Of the hundreds of votes, Damien ranked #2, losing out only to his boss and 18th Amendment Bar owner Gorge Camorra.
We had a chat with Damien about his experience bartending, mixing drinks and what you should order him at the bar.
How long have you been working as a bartender?
I have been behind the bar for 11 years now.
What's the most complicated drink you know how to make?
I suppose one of the most complicated would be a Ramos Gin Fizz, many many ingredients swells cream/milk, citrus and strong flavours which all have to balance to make the end cocktail a delicate yet delicious cocktail.
What do you love about the job?
There is so much to love! It's a very social job, always meeting new people, always talking and always learning. I love talking to people when they’ve had a few drinks - that's when you meet the real person. I also love the ever-expanding knowledge base there is to learn. Always something new on the shelf/being released.
What's a favourite of yours to make?
I'm a sucker for the simple things; my favourite would be a Bacardi Daiquiri. [It's] one of the most simple drinks to make, but also a very easy one to mess up. Just 60ml Bacardi Carta Blanca, 30ml fresh lime juice, and 2 tsps of castor sugar. Shake really hard and serve in a Coupette. The trick is to ensure the sugar and lime balance, and then to shake hard enough to get a big amount of aeration.
How's the best way to become a really notable bartender locally and nationally?
There are a lot of cocktail competitions running in Australia; we’re continually entering them and getting through to state finals. For me, that's the best way to get noted in a national and state way. As for local, you just need to be an identity. Be the bartender that people enjoy talking to and getting a drink from. There is a big push to marketing ourselves as bartenders, not just our bar.
How is The 18th Amendment Bar different to other bars in the region?
A few things really stand out to me as to how we are different. Firstly our staff have been hand-picked - they're either career hospitality workers, or care for the finer details and learn as much as they can about what we do and serve. The venue atmosphere itself is quite unique; the hidden door, the 1930’s jazz that plays, our eccentric and theatrical cocktails.
If someone was to buy you a drink, what would be your order?
Depending where I was, usually an "Old Fashioned" Cocktail. Or something simple like a beer.
What's the funniest thing you've overheard at the bar?
Hahah! Great question! Sometimes people at the bar seem to forget we are there, so conversations can get quite personal or really odd, really quickly. But as professionals we try not to listen, but some things cannot be unheard. Some of the funniest stories would be about old ex BF/GFs. Nothing I'd be able to share. Bartenders are like doctors, we bartender client confidentiality.
You can find Damien serving at The 18th Amendment Bar at 82A Little Malop Street, Geelong.
Image by the 18th Amendment Bar.
