Around the World in Five Spirits: A Global Tasting Experience at Osk Bar - Townsville's best small cocktail bar.

Richard Norris
Sep 9
2 min read

At Osk Bar, we’re always pushing the boundaries of what a cocktail bar can be—whether it’s crafting our own pistachio liqueur or hosting tasting experiences that transport you across continents.

This month, we invited guests to join us for a one-of-a-kind “Spirits of the World” tasting night, featuring five remarkable spirits rarely seen on the same lineup. It's important for us to occasionally showcase something out of the ordinary, because we want to offer something different in our quest to be Townsville's best small cocktail bar. Here’s what we poured:

🇯🇵 Setsugen Gokujo Komeshochu (Japan)

A clean, elegant rice shochu from snowy Akita. Shochu is Japan’s everyday spirit—lower in alcohol than most and endlessly food-friendly.Expect gentle rice sweetness, earthy umami, and floral hints. A versatile sipper served warm or chilled.

🇦🇺 Virgin Cane Spirit – Cachaça Style (Australia via Brazil)

Distilled in the Burdekin, this Aussie homage to cachaça is grassy, raw, and expressive. It captures the energy of fresh sugarcane with the soul of Brazilian street cocktails.Try it in a Caipirinha—or just sip it neat and let the funk shine.

🇨🇳 Beiju by Fen Chiew (China)

Baijiu is the world’s most-consumed spirit, yet still a mystery to many in Australia. This bottle is designed for approachability, offering fermented tropical notes, funky esters, and subtle sweetness.Pair it with rich or spicy food and prepare to be surprised.

🇭🇷 Maraska Slivovitz (Croatia)

A proud expression of Slavic plum brandy tradition, Slivovitz is sharp, fruity, and haunting. Maraska’s version is clean and balanced, with notes of stone fruit, almond, and peppery spice.A perfect conversation starter on a cool Townsville night.

🇲🇽 Ilegal Joven Mezcal (Mexico)

A bold and smoky young mezcal, distilled from Espadín agave roasted underground. Campfire smoke, lime peel, and wet earth define this spirit. A sip of this and you’re standing in Oaxaca.

Why It Matters for Townsville's best small cocktail bar

At Osk Bar, we don’t just serve drinks—we explore flavour. Whether you’re looking for a cocktail date night in Townsville, a deeper understanding of spirits, or just a fun way to spend an evening, tastings like these offer something unique.

Come Taste With Us

Planning a trip to Townsville? Looking for cocktail bars that break the mould? Come say hi. Osk Bar is where the weird, wonderful, and wildly delicious all come together—right here in the tropics at Townsville's best small cocktail bar.