Amani Macaulay and Chima Burey are the visionary co-founders behind Duke & Dame Whiskey, a Black-owned brand that has distinguished itself in the American beverage industry with its unique salted caramel flavored whiskey. Their journey into the spirits world began after careers in the demanding field of finance, driven by a shared desire for a new path and a passion for entrepreneurship.
Early Lives and Professional Backgrounds
Both Amani Macaulay and Chima Burey held significant roles in the finance industry before establishing Duke & Dame. Macaulay, an investment banker, garnered experience in New York and Sydney, Australia, and holds an MBA from Columbia Business School. Burey worked as a trade advisor for private equity groups and family offices, having earned a BS in Finance from the University of Florida. Their professional backgrounds in finance, marked by high pressure, eventually led them to seek a more balanced and fulfilling venture.
The Genesis of Duke & Dame
The foundation of Duke & Dame Whiskey can be traced back to a fortuitous meeting between Macaulay and Burey in 2012 at a mutual friend’s farewell party in New York City. The idea for a distinctive flavored whiskey emerged during a dinner conversation in 2017. Burey had previously conceived of a caramel-flavored whiskey, envisioning a product that evoked the nostalgic sweetness of candies like Werther's Original, in contrast to existing flavored spirits. This concept resonated with Macaulay, leading them to explore the feasibility of turning this idea into a business.
In May and October 2017, respectively, Macaulay and Burey transitioned away from their finance careers to fully dedicate themselves to their new venture. They embarked on an intensive period of research, prototyping, and taste-testing to develop a premium product that met their high standards for flavor and sophistication.
Launch and Product Innovation
Duke & Dame Whiskey officially launched in July 2018, introducing its signature salted caramel whiskey to the market. The brand’s core offering is crafted from a premium blend of 100% corn whiskeys, notably including a two-year aged bourbon, and is infused with 100% natural salted caramel flavors. A key differentiator for Duke & Dame is its commitment to a low sugar content, with only one gram of sugar per serving, a deliberate choice to provide a smooth, enjoyable drinking experience without excessive sweetness or artificial additives.
The whiskey is proudly crafted in Jacksonville, Florida, and aims to appeal to a broad audience, including seasoned whiskey connoisseurs and those new to the category. The name “Duke & Dame” was chosen to convey a sense of elegance, inclusion, and approachability, symbolizing a whiskey that can be appreciated by everyone, regardless of gender or experience level.
Growth and Lasting Impact
Since its inception, Duke & Dame Whiskey has achieved significant milestones and established a notable presence in the American beverage industry. The brand quickly garnered international recognition, winning over ten international spirit competition awards, including a platinum award and the esteemed Consumer’s Choice award at the 2018 SIP Awards.
The company has successfully expanded its distribution, securing shelf space in prominent retailers such as Publix Liquors, where it became available in all 334 Florida locations by July 2023, and Total Wine & More. Duke & Dame is also available in various U.S. markets, including New York, Florida, and Michigan, and has extended its reach into seven Caribbean markets. Beyond retail, the brand has forged partnerships with major hospitality entities like MGM, Ruth's Chris Steak House, and Carnival Cruise Line, and has served as the official whiskey sponsor for events such as the Miami Carnival.
Financially, Duke & Dame Whiskey has demonstrated impressive growth, reporting a 45% annual revenue increase since 2020 and a 150% increase in cases sold. The brand also showcased resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, achieving 20% growth by adapting its strategy and leveraging social media. In February 2025, Duke & Dame Whiskey was highlighted as a recommended brand by Oprah Winfrey, further solidifying its growing influence.
Macaulay and Burey continue to innovate, with plans to introduce new flavors and ready-to-drink cocktails, aiming to further diversify their product offerings and expand their market presence. Their success contributes to the broader narrative of Black entrepreneurship in American whiskey, demonstrating the potential for independent, Black-owned brands to thrive and redefine categories within a historically traditional industry.