Join us in a virtual “cheers” to celebrate the collaborative effort between Split Rail Tavern and Levante Brewing Company that resulted in the new, exclusive Split Rail saison.
Sometimes the best ideas come about when a few friends are hanging out, enjoying a drink. Being a new bar in the area, the Split Rail crew has been reaching out to fellow businesses and has already created incredible bonds. James Mullally, head of the drinks program at Split Rail Tavern, explained the saison’s origin: “I had tasted some of [Levante’s] beers and was a big fan. So Tim, Eric [owners and brewers at Levante] and I went drinking.”
It’s what happened next, though, that really mattered, as the group decided that collaborating on a beer would be fun. “We have the same sensibilities, personalities and more importantly appreciation for the area,” said Mullally. “We spitballed to come up with something sessionable that would appeal to new drinkers and old drinkers.”
“It was a collaborative effort to to create a brew unique to them,” said Tim Floros, co-founder and brewmaster at Levante Brewing Company. The group settled on creating a Belgian-style Farmhouse ale, basically a heartier version of a wheat beer, using Belgian yeast to get a tart sweetness. With a shout-out to Saison Dupont as one of the taste points, they set out prepared to make a few batches and start tasting.
“Believe it or not, the first batch was spot on, minus a tweak. These boys are beyond capable of taking over the planet, beer-wise,” said Mullally, who was quick to point out that they have a responsibility as teachers, not just sellers, to educate consumers about the world of craft beer.
Split Rail Saison, exclusively on tap at Split Rail Tavern and Levante Brewing, has a 5.4% ABV and is offered for $5 per 16-oz. pour. In early April, Split Rail Tavern hosted the official coming-out party for the saison, with Levante holding a similar shindig at their location; about 100 people packed both spots for a phenomenal evening. Presented at Split Rail in a firkin, the saison was poured using a specialty, old-school English-style bar tap.
According to Split Rail Tavern, the first four kegs of Split Rail Saison kicked in three days and, not surprisingly, with extremely positive feedback. General manager John Day said that the trial run about a month ago had similar reviews as an extremely drinkable crowd pleaser.
“This experience turned into a great way to cross-market our brands,” said Mullally. “People come [to Split Rail Tavern] for the food and then realize the beer is so good.”
Split Rail Tavern, which has been open for about nine months, is a high-end speakeasy with old-world charm offering crafted cocktails, microbrews and artisanal bar fare. Levante Brewing Company, an ideal example of a hobby transformed into a passion, has a mission of infusing artisan craft brewing with new-world styles for the present-day beer enthusiast. “First and foremost, we all appreciate Split Rail; the food is amazing, the ambience is great and we developed a real relationship with them over the past three-to-six months. They have been great customers to us as we were growing as a brewery,” said Floros.
Located a little more than a mile apart in West Chester, it’s a logical opportunity to cross-market and suggest patrons try out the partner business as well. “It’s what collaborations are all about,” said Mullally.
“The team marketing approach gave [Split Rail] an exclusive saison that we can also serve at the taproom and generate our own awareness,” said Floros.
Split Rail Tavern general manager Day is looking forward to future celebrations, like aging the saison over a year and tapping it on the launch anniversary. Until then, visit Levante Brewing Company or Split Rail Tavern to get your fix on the new collaborative saison.
What else is on tap at Split Rail? The tavern is pleased to be one of the only locations in the area to offer its draft beers in crowlers to go. What’s a crowler, you ask? Stay tuned to PA Eats to learn more!
Find Split Rail Tavern at 15 N. Walnut St. in West Chester; phone: (484) 999-8805. Find Levante Brewing Company at 208 Carter Dr., Suite 2, in West Chester; phone: (484) 999-8761.
- Photography: Alexandra Whitney Photography
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