Morris Chestnut and Malcolm D. Lee Discuss Entrepreneurship, Legacy and Building the Sable

Atlanta bourbon enthusiasts had the opportunity to meet two familiar faces this past weekend as actor Morris Chestnut and filmmaker Malcolm D. Lee stopped by Camp Creek World of Beverage for a bottle-signing event celebrating their award-winning bourbon brand, Sable.

Known for their decades-long contributions to film and entertainment, Chestnut and Lee have expanded their partnership beyond Hollywood and into the spirits industry, bringing with them the same sense of collaboration, storytelling, and authenticity that has defined their careers.

While speaking with Sheen Magazine, the duo shared the inspiration behind Sable Bourbon and the vision that continues to drive the brand forward. Chestnut shared that the idea for Sable Bourbon came through longtime collaborator Harold Perrineau, who recognized a recurring theme throughout many of the films the group had worked on together.

Check out the Exclusive Interview on SHEENTV

“Throughout our movies, we always had some type of emotional milestone that surrounded brown liquor,” Chestnut explained. “He really championed the cause of us coming together and continuing this relationship. We’ve been working together for several decades, we love being around each other, so let’s keep our friendship and business partnership going.” That foundation of friendship has become one of the brand’s greatest strengths.

Both Chestnut and Lee emphasized the importance of trust and chemistry when building a business together. “We already have a great chemistry working together,” they explained. “We actually like each other. There’s not a whole lot of deviation in what we think the brand should be and what we want to present to people.” Lee emphasized that the collective success of the brand remains the team’s primary focus. “We all want the collective good and what’s best for the brand,” he said. “Fortunately, we still like each other.”

For Chestnut, Sable represents much more than a bottle on a shelf. He hopes consumers connect with the experience and sense of community the brand was created to inspire. “When I think about our brand, I think about the experience,” Chestnut shared. “Sable is not just a bourbon; it’s an experience.” Lee added that while the bourbon can certainly be enjoyed individually, it was designed to bring people together. “You can drink it alone, but it might be better to share with others,” he said. “Get your crew together and enjoy this award-winning, Black-owned bourbon.”

Beyond discussing the brand, both men reflected on their longevity in an industry known for its unpredictability. Having built successful careers spanning decades, they offered advice for aspiring creatives and entrepreneurs looking to pursue their passions.Lee encouraged people to remain committed to their goals while also understanding their strengths. “If you have a goal, try to stick to it, even when people tell you no,” he said. “But also know when to pivot.

Find out what you’re good at because we’re all good at something.”

Chestnut reflected on the lessons he would share with his younger self, admitting that he would spend more time appreciating the process rather than constantly focusing on what came next. “If I would have known that I’d still be here all these years later, I would have enjoyed the journey a little bit more,” he said.

He went on to explain that success in entertainment is often misunderstood because people only see the finished product. “People look at the end result and say, ‘I want to be a star,’ but you really have to focus on the craft,” Chestnut explained. “That can be the goal and what inspires you, but you have to put in the work.”

As the conversation came to a close, the pair were asked to describe Sable Bourbon in just one word. Without hesitation, the answer was simple: “Smooth.”

Based on the excitement surrounding the bottle-signing event and the passion both men continue to bring to the brand, smooth may be the perfect way to describe not only Sable Bourbon, but also the enduring partnership behind it.

More importantly, their journey serves as a reminder that success is rarely achieved alone.

Through friendship, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence, Chestnut and Lee have proven that meaningful partnerships can evolve into lasting legacies. As Sable Bourbon continues to grow, the duo remains focused on creating experiences that bring people together while inspiring others to pursue their own passions with purpose and authenticity!

Videographer: Jamall McMillan