March 2, 2024

Former finance professionals Chima Burey and Amani Macaulay successfully transition to the spirits industry.

In the bustling streets of New York City, where the pulse of finance beats incessantly, two friends found themselves at a crossroads, their paths intersecting at a fateful going-away party in 2012. Chima Burey, 47, and Amani Macaulay, 45, both seasoned finance professionals, felt burnt out from their careers in finance and wanted to embark on something new. In a city where success often hinges on the next big deal, they dared to prioritize a different currency: life balance. Recent research from the World Economic Forum underscores the universal desire for equilibrium, even within the high-pressure confines of the banking world.

Fueled by a shared vision and a passion for fulfillment, they embarked on an unconventional journey. Their destination? The dynamic realm of the spirits industry, where they would carve out a new path fueled by passion and purpose. What began as a casual conversation over dinner evolved into the birth of Duke & Dame in 2017. This Black-owned whiskey brand captured the essence of nostalgia with its salted caramel flavor profile.

BLACK ENTERPRISE connected with Duke & Dame Whiskey founders to discuss their transition from the finance industry to spirits, the challenges they encountered, and the legacy they are leaving.

From Finance to Flavor: A Serendipitous Encounter

The journey of the founders started with a meeting at a mutual friend’s goodbye party. According to Chima, the friend thought they were alike and needed to meet. This initial meeting ignited a friendship that eventually turned into a partnership driven by shared passion and entrepreneurial spirit.

The origin of Duke & Dame traces back to a dinner conversation where the idea of making a flavored whiskey was born a few months after they first met. Chima remembers that the dinner is where all the crazy ideas started. They pondered, “If you could start your own flavored whiskey, what flavor would you choose?” As they discussed this, Chima imagined a whiskey that tasted like the popular Werther’s Original candies. This idea set the groundwork for their flavor-filled journey.

A Journey of Innovation and Discovery

With the rise of the flavored whiskey market powered by the popularity of brands such as Fireball and Tennessee Honey, Chima and Amani perceived a unique opportunity to introduce their own salted caramel whiskey. Coming from a financial background, they dedicated themselves to creating the perfect blend, even transforming their kitchens into impromptu labs. As Chima, a former financial advisor, notes, “Our kitchens looked like chemistry labs.”

As they delved deeper into whiskey making, Amani, a former investment banker, aimed high, saying, “We wanted something different… something appreciated by whiskey aficionados and also enjoyed by those who may shy away from whiskey.” Driven by their ambition and commitment to quality, Amani and Chima left their finance careers in May and October 2017, respectively, and committed to prototyping, taste testing, and refining their whiskey until it met their standards of unsurpassed taste and sophistication.

Navigating Challenges and Breaking Barriers

Despite being skilled in finance, Chima and Amani faced challenges in understanding the complexities of the spirits industry. As newcomers in an industry traditionally closed-off, they had the daunting responsibility of comprehending the subtleties of whiskey manufacturing and distribution. Nonetheless, driven by their incredible work ethic and a desire for learning, they pressed on, receiving advice from industry experts and plotting their route to success.

While reflecting on their progress, Chima identified the lack of means and networking opportunities for black businesspersons in the spirits industry. “We didn’t have a community of black spirit makers to turn to,” he said. Still, they carried on, employing their resolve and durability to break down obstacles and establish their brand within significant retailers like Total Wine, ABC, Walmart, and Costco, where it sells for $29.99.

An Inheritance of Quality and Include-all Policy

Duke & Dame symbolizes more than just a label to Chima and Amani; it symbolizes their dedication to quality, inclusivity, and originality. On average, since 2020, the company has enjoyed a 45 percent boost in revenue every year and reported a 150 percent increase in case sales in 2022. (Duke & Dame chose not to disclose its annual revenue.) As Chima stated, “We imagine this power duo enjoying their whiskey together,” hinting at the brand’s name, which honors both men and women who relish its unique taste. With Duke & Dame, they hope to redefine the flavored whiskey scene, providing a product that breaks gender norms and appeals to a diverse crowd.

As they advance their presence and investigate new growth pathways, Chima and Amani persist in their commitment to producing superior liquors. “We’re in the innovation hub, generating,” Chima indicated, suggesting forthcoming offerings designed to enthrall both whiskey connoisseurs and beginners. With each Duke & Dame bottle, they entice customers to accompany them on a voyage of taste, advancement, and jubilation.

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A UNIVERSITY fresher, 18, passed away after consuming an entire bottle of vodka at a sports social event, as reported at an inquest.

The deceased, Alfie Head, was a student at the University of Lincoln studying his first term when he tragically passed away on November 14 of the previous year.

The court proceedings today elaborated on how the young student suffered a hypoxic brain injury that was the direct result of aspiration pneumonia, an ailment caused by acute alcohol toxicity.

During this inquest, Jayne Wilkes, the area Coroner for Lincolnshire, recited a statement provided by PC Thomas Jacobs of the local Police force.

Just after midnight on November 9, PC Jacobs was summoned to the student accommodation at Cygnet Wharf, Lincoln, in response to the report of Alfie’s cardiac arrest.

In one of the bedrooms, he found numerous paramedics already on location.

The inquest reported that one of Alfie’s friends, who was present during the social event of the Lacrosse society earlier in the night, spoke with PC Jacobs about the circumstances. According to him, Alfie had consumed a great deal of alcohol.

The friend narrated that during the “pre-drinks”, Alfie “just downed” a bottle of vodka.

The friend stated that he was “amazed” that Alfie had drunk the bottle.

Alfie collapsed on the way home to Cygnet Wharf and his friends helped him get back.

The friend said that Alfie “went really bad, really quickly” and his breathing became inconsistent.

Paramedics arrived at the student accommodation just after midnight and found Alfie in cardiac arrest.

He passed away at Lincoln County Hospital on November 14, 2023, having been cared for in the intensive treatment unit.

In the inquiry, a family written testimony shared by the coroner portrayed Alfie as deeply cherished both in his family home and at his university.

The account also emphasized that Alfie was excited about becoming an uncle soon, was an enthusiastic gamer, an ardent supporter of

Arsenal, and was recognized as “our little boy who has a brilliant future in the offing.”

They added, Alfie was always graced with a smile on his face.

The inquest heard how Alfie joined the Lacrosse society at university having never played the sport before and he was “so proud” to be on the team.

Concluding the inquest, the coroner confirmed that Alfie’s death was alcohol-related.

Ms Wilkes thanked the family for their support of the inquest and said “I would like to express my sympathies for their loss”, adding the death was “a loss in such tragic circumstances”.

Tributes previously flooded in for bright Alfie, originally from Hertford.

Posting on Facebook, Alfie’s heartbroken dad Mark Head, 54, wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that Clair and I have to say Alfie passed away peacefully today.

“He was the happiest we’ve ever seen him at Lincoln University and was having the time of his life.

“Getting a phone call at 1.30am saying your son was critically ill in ICU is the hardest thing a parent will ever receive.

“He fought bravely but the odds were stacked against him. Sleep well son and we will meet again.”

A spokesman for Lacrosse at Lincoln University expressed deep sorrow over the passing of their beloved member, Alfie, who was adored by all and played a vital role as the new goalkeeper. He stated, “We are deeply grieved by Alfie’s demise. He was the heart of our team and a significantly valued member.”

“Alfie was extremely loved and his absence will profoundly be felt. We extend our profound thoughts and sympathy to Alfie’s family and friends in this time of distress.”

“No further comments will be made by the Students’ Union and Lincoln Lacrosse.”

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Last summer, Dominican rum brand Brugal released one of our favorite rums of the year, Colección Visionaria which was aged in barrels seasoned with toasted cacao beans. Now comes news of the launch of , a high-end rum aged in sherry casks that were subject to “dark aromatic toasting,” and we got an early taste.

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Brugal was founded in 1888 in the Dominican Republic by Spanish immigrant Don Andrés Brugal. Today, rum production at the distillery is overseen by fifth-generation maestra ronera and Brugal family member Jassil Villanueva Quintana. She is the force behind the new Maestro Reserva expression, which will be a permanent addition to the portfolio. “My family deeply embraces the elegance and soul of Brugal rum, and I’ve absorbed a wealth of wisdom from the generations of maestro roneros who came before me,” she said in a statement. “By leveraging this knowledge and my unwavering passion, all while paying homage to the Brugal family legacy, I’ve crafted a rum that is ‘moment perfect.’”

The “dark aromatic toasting” that the brand refers to is Brugal’s proprietary process of treating the casks used for maturation. Maestro Reserva was initially aged in American oak sherry-seasoned barrels, and then dumped out and set aside. Those barrels were then toasted “using precision, mastery and expertise to extract natural caramel pearls that are drawn from the sugars in the wood,” according to the brand. The rum was then placed back into those barrels for a secondary maturation period. No sugar or additives were added, and it was bottled at 41.2 percent ABV.

I got to try a sample of Maestro Reserva, and while last year’s Colección Visionaria was better, this is a high-quality sipping rum as well. There are notes of creamy vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch on the palate, along with raisin, stone fruit, spice, orange, and just a hint of smoke. Maestro Reserva (SRP $200) will be initially available in Florida, Texas, and New Jersey, but will expand to other markets over the coming year. It’s also available to purchase from , and the rest of the lineup can be found at ReserveBar.

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A UNIVERSITY fresher, 18, died after drinking a bottle of vodka at a sports social, an inquest heard.

Alfie Head was studying at the University of Lincoln during his first term when he died on November 14 last year.

The court heard today how the young man died from a hypoxic brain injury as a direct consequence of aspiration pneumonia, which was caused by acute alcohol toxicity.

During the inquest, the area coroner for Lincolnshire, Jayne Wilkes, read out a statement from PC Thomas Jacobs of Lincolnshire Police.

PC Jacobs was called to Cygnet Wharf student housing in Lincoln shortly after midnight on November 9, due to reports of Alfie experiencing a cardiac arrest.

He observed multiple paramedics were already present in a bedroom.

The hearing revealed that PC Jacobs had a conversation with one of Alfie’s friends, who described that they had consumed alcohol earlier in the evening at a Lacrosse society social occurrence at a residence.

The friend detailed there had been a vodka bottle at “pre-drinks” which Alfie had “simply chugged”.

The friend stated that he was “amazed” that Alfie had drunk the bottle.

Alfie collapsed on the way home to Cygnet Wharf and his friends helped him get back.

The friend said that Alfie “went really bad, really quickly” and his breathing became inconsistent.

Paramedics arrived at the student accommodation just after midnight and found Alfie in cardiac arrest.

He passed away at Lincoln County Hospital on November 14 2023, post receiving intensive care unit treatment

In the inquest, the family description of Alfie was recited by the coroner. He was cherished, both within the family and at the university.

Alfie was noted to be on the cusp of becoming an uncle, an ardent gamer and a supporter of Arsenal. He had a promising future ahead of him, being “our little boy with a very bright future”.

The family further added that Alfie “always wore a happy smile”.

The inquest heard how Alfie joined the Lacrosse society at university having never played the sport before and he was “so proud” to be on the team.

Concluding the inquest, the coroner confirmed that Alfie’s death was alcohol-related.

Ms Wilkes thanked the family for their support of the inquest and said “I would like to express my sympathies for their loss”, adding the death was “a loss in such tragic circumstances”.

Tributes previously flooded in for bright Alfie, originally from Hertford.

Posting on Facebook, Alfie’s heartbroken dad Mark Head, 54, wrote: “It is with a heavy heart that Clair and I have to say Alfie passed away peacefully today.

“He was the happiest we’ve ever seen him at Lincoln University and was having the time of his life.”

“Getting a phone call at 1.30am saying your son was critically ill in ICU is the hardest thing a parent will ever receive.”

“He fought bravely but the odds were stacked against him. Sleep well son and we will meet again.”

A representative for Lacrosse at Lincoln University expressed: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our team member, Alfie. He brought joy and was a highly respected member of our team, with promising talents as a new goalkeeper.

“He was beloved by all and his absence will be felt intensely. Our deepest sympathy and condolences are with Alfie’s friends and family in this hard time.

“No further statements will be made by either the Students’ Union or Lincoln Lacrosse.”  

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Exploring a new liquor brand can evoke a rollercoaster of feelings. Fear – due to high expectations, excitement for the possibilities, and upon success, satisfaction. While tequila or vodka are often the first alcohol types for many, whiskey and bourbon have been gaining popularity amongst modern consumers. For those adventurous in spirits, Black-owned whiskey brands are marking their territory in the market.

Celebrating Black History Month is an ideal time to unearth brands operated by Black creators. What’s thrilling is when these discoveries become your favorites throughout the year. If you are scouting for a unique whiskey brand to gift or enrich your own collection, these nine Black-owned whiskey brands are undoubtedly worth your consideration.

Related: Top Black-Owned Food & Beverage Brands

Created to celebrate the modern whiskey drinker, Absiola Whiskey is one that “drinks well above its age.” Featuring a blend of Malt and Bourbon whiskey, each sip of this 40-percent ABV drink will bring about notes of vanilla and waffle cone as well as a rich aroma of apricot and almond cream.

Available in straight bourbon whiskey, ginger-vanilla flavored whiskey and chocolate flavored whiskey, Den of Thieves promises to erase the guilt of ultimate pleasure with every sip.

Offering up a variety of non-chilled, filtered bourbon whiskey products, Old Hillside is a veteran-owned company that infuses history, heritage and homage all in one. Its Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey option offers up 48.5-percent ABV, both cinnamon and nutmeg on the nose and brown sugar, oak, vanilla and caramel on the palate.

Related: How to Celebrate Black History Month, According to Black Chefs

This premium, handcrafted whiskey was named after the Historic Greenwood District neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma. While there are three options in their brand, the flagship flavor—Greenwood Whiskey—has rich smokey caramel and vanilla aromas with hints of butterscotch, sweet cherry wood and a touch of citrus bolster in its taste. And with a 42-percent ABV, this is one bold whiskey you’ll want to add to your collection.

Perhaps one of the most talked about Black-owned whiskey brands, Duke & Dame is a hot topic for many reasons. Featuring 100-percent natural salted caramel and only 1-gram of sugar per serving, this guiltless 35-percent ABV sip is tasty enough to be had neat or in a cocktail.

When the topic of Black-owned whiskey brands come up, Uncle Nearest is the brand at the top of the list. So, if you haven’t had the chance to give it a try, this is your sign. Touted as the most awarded bourbon and American whiskey brand, there are plenty of options to choose from when you’re perusing this brand.

Related: All About James Hemings, One of America’s First Celebrity Chefs

Fans of spiced whiskey, rejoice. Red Hazel has the sip that you’ve been yearning for. Founded by a brother-sister duo, this 35-percent ABV rye whiskey delivers an experience worth reliving time and time again.

If you needed a reason to give flavored whiskey a try, Frisky Whiskey might be just that. Crafted in small batches in Charleston, South Carolina, this award-winning 35-percent ABV sip uses pure caramel and natural vanilla to complement the natural and unforgettable notes of whiskey.

Looking for a bourbon whiskey with an incredible story? Eric LeGrand is it. Created by and named after former Rutgers University football star Eric LeGrand, this whiskey was brought to life after LeGrand sustained a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed. Now, the 44-percent ABV sip is the poster child for dispelling the misconception that those living with paralysis can’t enjoy the finer things in life.

Up next: 5 Black Figures Who Changed Food Forever