Actors Morris Chestnut and Harold Perrineau, known for The Best Man series, launch Sable Bourbon with Taye Diggs and Malcolm D. Lee (Photo Credit: Marshelle Sanders).
Friendship bonds are built in many ways, whether through childhood memories, shared experiences in organizations and workplaces, or the connections formed while working on films. For actors Morris Chestnut and Harold Perrineau, their friendship began while making “The Best Man,” the 1999 film that became iconic for their portrayals of characters Lance Sullivan and Julian Murch.
With follow-ups “The Best Man Holiday (2013)” and “The Best Man: The Final Chapters (2022),” the cast navigates the ups and downs of relationships and experiences life on screen while maintaining a firm brotherhood and deep friendship off of it.
Now, Chestnut and Perrineau, alongside director Malcolm D. Lee and fellow actor Taye Diggs, are taking that spirit of brotherhood to a new level with the launch of their bourbon brand—Sable.
Sable is a labor of love from the actors and Bespoken Spirits, a company known for crafting exceptional spirits. The brand celebrates the 25th anniversary of “The Best Man,” which combines the themes of friendship, celebration, and lasting bonds into every bottle.
The bourbon whiskey is created with a unique blend of 75% corn, 21% rye and 4% malted barley. It offers a distinctive flavor profile with hints of burnt sugar, pear, allspice, marzipan, mocha and dark chocolate fudge.
Last Thursday, Chestnut and Perrineau were here in Chicago for a meet-and-greet at Binny’s in Lincoln Park to promote the new bourbon. Fans had the chance to meet the stars, learn more about the brand, and even take home a signed bottle of Sable. The event attracted over 1,000 fans eager to see the actors up close and personal.
They also got the story of how the bourbon came to be.
“Sable is where we come from,” said Chestnut, “It’s an elevated version of our knowledge, grounded in authenticity and class.”
For Perrineau, the experience of creating Sable was equally meaningful. When asked what he hopes people feel when they taste the bourbon, he said, “I want people to feel a kinship, a spirit of family, as it were. That’s really what it’s all about—feeling connected and celebrating our bonds.”
Those feelings were expressed during the promotional events and lived out in real time.
On Friday, the duo continued their promotion at MoneyGun, a popular bar spot in Chicago’s West Loop. Another event with a long line of fans patiently gathered to get a taste of Sable. Once inside, they got a shot of Sable while others chose to sip on Pina Colada-inspired cocktails made with the spirit.
At the event, Chestnut and Perrineau were not just celebrities but bartenders for the evening.
Harold Perrineau and Morris Chestnut hang out with fans at a promotional event in Chicago (Photo Credit: Marshelle Sanders).
They had a blast mixing drinks and interacting with the crowd, all while hip-hop set the tone for a lively atmosphere. The actors were not just there to promote their brand but also to connect with their fans. They took photos and ensured everyone had a memorable time.
As a bartender myself and someone who’s spent plenty of time behind the bar, when I see a group of friends gather, it’s always a celebration. It’s about enjoying each other’s company and sharing something special, even if it’s just a drink.
With the bourbon now hitting stores, fans and whiskey enthusiasts alike are sure to enjoy a taste of the connection that Chestnut, Perrineau and their colleagues have shared for years. Whether you’re sipping it straight or mixing it into a creative cocktail, Sable is a drink meant to be enjoyed with friends and celebrated for the connections it brings to life–just like their famous founders.
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