When things are this dangerous, dark and devilishly hard to resist, it’s wonderfully easy to lose yourself behind Death and Taxes’ panelled double-doors.
At first sight, this cocktail bar’s name is less than uplifting – neither of its two parts is anything you necessarily want in a great night out. Its relatively modest laneway exterior doesn’t exactly lure you in either (unless you happen to love oversized wall art featuring the Grim Reaper or repeating prints of lion heads, of course). But trust us on this. Inside is where the magic happens. And with a handful of breakthrough Brisbane bars already to his credit, D&T owner Martin Lange and his team have proven themselves experts at creating clever, captivating spaces that thirsty patrons want to escape to again and again. Fair warning: you could find it hard to drag yourself away once you’re through the doors.
Flickering candles, a soundtrack rich in mellow jazz-funk, super-comfortable leather upholstered bar stools – and that’s just for starters. The front bar is moody but slick. It’s dominated by a long, sexy downlit bar fronting a five-tier back-bar that could keep you asking those affable bar staff questions for hours. “What do those Taiwanese whiskies taste like?” Or, “Do they really make whiskies in France? And which one of the three French malts you have on pour by the glass should I start with?” In other words, it’s a venue that offers options.
On a balmy night, looking out over the laneway from a spot on the deck might appeal. Maybe the laid-back back room, which feels a little like a reconstructed traditional London club, is more your speed. There are comfy curved leather booths for relaxed D-and-Ms with pals and lovely aged timber flooring. Why choose? Make a start at the bar and then slide over to a booth later. Or start in a booth and then go hit the bar for cocktails and some banter. There’s table service, so you can just relax and enjoy wherever you decide to spend the evening.
Death and Taxes keeps more than 800 different whiskies – and yes, there are a couple of whiskies at $600 a shot, if that’s your bag. But you don’t have to spend an absolute fortune to have a good time. Try something new. How about an Indian whisky – like the Amrut unfiltered 60% proof single cask limited edition for $29 a shot? Or an Israeli whisky called Milk & Honey Elements? It’s been aged in a mix of red wine and bourbon casks and new oak to make sure its flavour is deep and layered. Whatever you do, definitely consider a cocktail. You like tequila? Try a Two Circles featuring Don Julio Reposado and amontillado sherry spiced up with cardamom, saffron, pear and orange. Or the Crux, a drink powered by Four Pillars gin that gets spritzed with essence of green apple as it leaves the bar. There’s a tight but nicely put-together wine list too, and some beers, including some locally brewed choices.
Death and Taxes sits right next to Alba Bar & Deli on Burnett Lane. Rather than compete, the two bars collaborate when it comes to snacks. So just ask staff for the food menu and the Alba team will deliver something tasty and fresh from next door. How about some preserved meats? Some French-style sausage from LP’s Quality Meats down in Sydney, perhaps, or lush pink ribbons of jamon, Spain’s gift to ham.
