Not only is Chima Burey crafting standout whiskey—he’s also making history. As co-founder of Duke and Dame Whiskey and B&M Craft Spirits, LLC, Burey is reshaping what success looks like in an industry long dominated by legacy brands. His flagship product, Duke and Dame—a premium salted caramel whiskey—has earned 18 international awards and was rated among the Top 3 Flavored Whiskeys in the World by the International Whiskey Competition.

The brand’s rapid rise has landed it in the national spotlight, with features on The Today Show and Oprah’s O List marking its shift from niche favorite to mainstream disruptor. Before launching his spirits venture, Burey worked as a trade advisor to private equity firms and family offices, refining his expertise in finance, commodities, and market strategy.

“It’s not about having it all figured out,” Burey says. “Entrepreneurship is about starting, learning as you go, and staying resilient.”

With a rare blend of business acumen and cultural authenticity, Burey isn’t just building a brand—he’s creating ownership and legacy in a space that has routinely underestimated Black entrepreneurs.

And he’s only getting started.