2026 Izzy Blind Judging
The 5th annual Irish Whiskey Society America Awards are here. For the 2026 Izzys, we are excited to introduce two blind judging categories for the first time. Members have the opportunity to blind judge 3 samples in each category and choose their favorite.
Previous IWSA Awards or Izzys (iW-sA) have been entirely People's Choice style with favorites chosen among a list of nominees. For the uninitiated regarding the Izzy Awards, you can see results from prior years, read more, and/or watch the event videos:
Prior Izzy Awards Nominees, Results, & Videos (2022-2025)
Before we announce the 2026 Izzy categories and nominees, we are opening up the blind judging process. Members can order the Judging Package which includes 6 Irish Whiskeys (two sets of 3) to sample and choose your favorite from each set/category. The categories will remain secret to avoid any potential bias; however,
NO PEATED expressions are included
For the first time in Izzy history, we are including 3 nominees in a Sample set which are not available in the USA, but do share common traits that will be disclosed when the category is revealed during our Awards Event.
JUDGING RULES & PROCEDURES:
1) Members acquiring the Package agree to provide their choices by the deadline
2) DEADLINE is January 10th to submit choices
3) Members wil submit 1 chosen whiskey favorite from the 3 samples in each category
4) IWSA is looking for 30 Judges to participate to ensure enough category 'votes'
5) Members agree to keep their votes and/or whiskey identity guesses private