Like all good stories, it starts in a basement.
Fred Barrera, a successful entrepreneur who has always had a passion for all things fun, started the Aries Company in 1974 with his lovely wife Chris. He started out as a part-time DJ, and together they grew the business becoming a lighting and sound company for small concerts and growing businesses. In 1993, they expanded into party rental equipment services. Today it’s one of the most successful companies of its kind.
With Aries being operated by the next generation in the family, Fred could expand on his passions, including co-founding Soulard’s premium cigar shop, Gran Crü Cigars. Meanwhile, he wondered if he could make a high-quality spirit. He got a still set up in his basement, went to work, and became even more popular with his friends when he would show up with a bottle and share his results. Fred continued his studies under the direction of a local Master Distiller, Dave Weglarz at Still 630, and finally, with key Aries staff members and his family, he launched Soulard Island Spirits in 2016.
“I’ve always been a rum guy, and wanted to create something special to share among friends,” Fred says. “That will always be the spirit behind our spirits.” He’s added a citrus vodka to the mix, and the team is finishing a gin that’s going to be just dandy. All of it hand-crafted, using Missouri White Oak Barrels, and meant to be enjoyed with family and good friends.
So where did Fred come up with the name Soulard Island, and why do the locals call our neighborhood of Soulard “The Island”? While not technically surrounded by water, it is based in geography as the neighborhood is cut off from the rest of the city of St. Louis by the Mississippi river, highways and a rather historic mega brewery. Soulard has everything you need right within its borders. Family, friends, food, drinks, fabulous architecture, and lots of fun. Once you visit, you might not want to leave. Wherever it came from, we think it makes a great name for a distillery!