The Founders
THE WHISKEY Coalition
Coalition Whiskey is started by three mavericks who form the actual “Coalition”: Together, they envisioned a new frontier for the industry using their skills to reimagine and elevate the super-premium whiskey.
Leonid Yangarber
The Architect
Leonid is the man behind the concept. After many years in the CEO role in a major spirits company, he had an itch to create something truly different, tapping into his love of American whiskey and French wine. He left the corporate world to pursue his dreams and create the first 100% Rye Whiskey finished in Bordeaux wine barrels, bringing together experts in their fields to make Coalition Whiskey a reality.
Steve Thompson
The Whiskey Veteran
Steve Thompson is the owner of Kentucky Artisan Distillery, where the precious liquid in Coalition Whiskey is created. Definitely a famous man in the great Commonwealth of Kentucky, whiskey is his life and has been for the last 40 years. Steve selected his small-batch, unique stock of 2015 100% Rye to become Coalition Whiskey, and Leonid and Ludwig decided to look no further.
Ludwig Vanneron
The Bordeaux Winemaker
An avid American Whiskey fan, Ludwig Vanneron is a renowned Bordeaux-based winemaker and global wine specialist. Working with many famous wine houses, Ludwig understands prestigious wine and is ideally suited for selecting Coalition Whiskey’s finishing barrels. He knows how wines develop and what´s happening inside the barrel even after the wine has left it. His nose, palate, and intuition are key to Coalition Whiskey`s unique taste profile.