We are happy to announce the results of the inaugural 2022 Irish Whiskey Society America Awards. The IWSA Awards or Izzys recognize and celebrate the brands and contributors to Irish Whiskey in the USA. Nominations were taken during the month of November across 13 different categories. The top 3 in each category were then open for voting during December by anyone residing in the USA.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the voting process and Congratulations to all the nominees and favorites.
The Izzys as voted by the Irish whiskey community in the USA are listed below.
Midleton Distillery garnered the most praise amongst voters as it took home Favorite Distillery and 6 of 10 favorites in the whiskey categories. In all, 11 different whiskeys were nominated from Midleton Distillery cementing it as the established leader in the industry which should come as no surprise.
Teeling Distillery had a strong showing with nominations for favorite distillery and in three whiskey categories. Established brands with strong distribution across the USA were a consistent theme with Connemara and Bushmills also being recognized.
Still, it was great to see some relatively new brands break through and get nominated like JJ Corry's The Gael, Slane Triple Casked Blend, and two from WD O'Connell: Bill Phil and 10 year Single Grain.
Since this is a USA voting base, established brands and distilleries with wide distribution have an advantage. However, as more new distilleries bring product to the USA and distribution widens, the IWSA expects more drinkers in the States to experience the great new brands available.
If your favorites were not recognized this year, make sure to participate in the 2023 Izzys.
If you would like to see the award results show and discussion of the Izzy favorites and categories you can watch the video below.
