Meet Blair Perry of Soul & Spirits Brewery
What happens when a love of travel, storytelling, and great beer collide? We talked with Blair Perry about the inspiration behind her award-winning Memphis brewery β Soul & Spirits β and what fuels her creativity. Image: Houston Cofield
Blair Perry used to manage classrooms full of energetic five-year-olds. These days, sheβs educating Memphis grownups on the crisp flavors of iconic German and Czech lagers. Alongside her husband Ryan, Blair co-founded Soul & Spirits Brewery, a local favorite named the 2024 Brewery of the Year by the Tennessee Championship of Beers. We caught up with the former kindergarten teacher to learn more about the story behind the taps and how she keeps her creativity flowing.
Your path to brewery ownership wasnβt exactly traditional. What would people be surprised to learn about you?
That I was in a band with my husband, have my Masterβs in Education, and taught Kindergarten for five years!
Running a business comes with challenges. Whatβs the best piece of advice you have ever received?
To just be yourself. Trust your gut, even if itβs hard. I am now of the age where I donβt need to be afraid of being who I am, out loud, without any reserve.
Whatβs the one bar cart ingredient you canβt live without?
My own personal bartender β my husband! Seriously, I am a mood drinker; we keep a pretty stocked bar so he can make any kind of drink at any time.
Where do you find inspiration these days?
From my nieces, who are one and four years old. Getting to see them grow up as curious little ones makes me view things in a different way.
Memphis is known for its food, music, and culture. Where are your favorite spots to eat and shop around town?
Jack Brownβs for burgers and Music Bingo. Celtic Crossing or Bog & Barley for traditional Irish fare and to watch soccer matches. Los Comales for great Mexican. I love vintage shopping at Quantum Antique Gallery and A Moment In Time. Record shopping at Shangri-la and Goner. Book shopping at Burkeβs and novel..
Memphis has so many beloved attractions, but what are some local hidden gems you think deserve more attention?
Tucked away in Harbor Town is Cocozza, a cozy Italian lounge eatery. Donβt miss their sour cherry negroni and olive oil-washed martinis, garlic cheese bread, chicken marsala, and cannolis. Β
I love to meander around the Dixon Gallery & Gardens β¦ They also host a food-and-drink pairing event in the fall called Art on the Rocks, which is amazing.
The Mud Island River Park is a peaceful walk that puts you right at the iconic Memphis welcome sign.
The main Memphis Public Library branch has an amazing used bookstore that helps to fund the library. Their annual Spring and Fall Book Sales are legendary!
What are your goals for Soul & Spirits?
We want to continue to be a space in our community where people love to hang out, not just to drink beer. We want to grow as a brand and always love winning awards for it.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Favorite recent read? During our snow and ice storm this past January, I read all seven of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series and just finished the newest book this past weekend! I read all genres of books, and you will never find me without one in my bag.
Three products you canβt live without? My Moleskine Daily Planner, Harney & Sons Tea, and Buff City Soap.
Your favorite post-work wind-down activity or snack? Reading, if Iβm by myself. Traveling with my partner and drinking beer at pubs and breweries. My favorite snack is any dip with chips.
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Ariel Taranski
Ariel's been writing professionally for over a decade, with a passion for travel, pets, good food, and a great book. She's lived in Memphis for over half of her life, a transplant from Florida and Southern through-and-through.