Thanks to all IWSA Members for a fun and successful 2023. When we started back in 2010 there were only three Irish distilleries. With now over 40 operating distilleries and countless other bonders and independent bottlers, the Irish Whiskey industry is enjoying its 2nd renaissance. 

More of these Irish whiskey producers are bringing product to the USA everyday. The IWSA is experiencing similar expansion with 25% member growth in 2023! We even added our first member in the state of Mississipi! Now there are only 9 remaining states without IWSA members (AK, AR, HI, IA, ND, NM, SD, UT, WY). 

We will look to add new members in these states in 2024 along with another Irish Whiskey Bottling, Group trip, and numerous upcoming events.

In the interim, here is a recap of our 2023:

We hosted 6 Virtual Events during 2023. In February we helped launch the new Powers Rye release in the USA. In addition to sampling the first 100% Irish rye whiskey, we were also provided the ingredients to make "The Irish Built Manhattan" cocktail as part of the experience. Members can watch the video.

In March we celebrated International Irish Whiskey Day with members enjoying their choice of Irish Whiskey. Those wanting to re-live the March 3rd 'holiday' can watch the event video. In June we celebrated Bloomsday on the 16th with a trio of Writers Tears Irish whiskeys. Read Ulysses or watch the event video.

In July, we celebrated the 1 year anniversary of the fill date of our latest Irish whiskey cask acquisition. From the Micil Distillery, we were led on a virtual tour, history of O'Griallais family whiskey making, and samples of their Poitin aged in similar wood as our cask. Those wanting to understand the history and differences of Irish Poitin vs. Whiskey can re-watch the event video.

In October, we were introduced to Jack Ryan Whiskey Finishers and a sample of their Irish Whiskeys. Wayne Curran led the event providing us a history of the bonders, their whiskeys, and future plans. Our last virtual event of the year was the Live reveal celebration of the 2023 Izzy Category Nominations. All our events are available on our YouTube channel or Videos section on the website.

The biggest event of 2023 was our IWSA Member group trip to Dublin in May. During our week we visited distilleries, pubs, restaurants, and cultural sites in and around Dublin. Our trip wrapped with a visit to WhiskeyLive Dublin. Read more about the trip and see the picture gallery here.

We announced our 2nd cask acquisition from Micil Distillery in July. This will be one of the most unique Irish whiskeys when bottled in 2026. Read more about the Heritage Pot Still mashbill aging in Chestnut or watch the event video.

The 2nd annual 2023 IWSA (Izzy) Awards launched in November with nominees revealed in 14 different categories. Voting commenced in December into January with the Favorites announced during another LIVE Virtual Event. Read about the Izzys, the 2023 nominees for Favorite, and the related event videos.