Water, an essential element, is known to have a huge impact on how we look and feel. But great-tasting water, at least to experts that participate in the annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting, is an art form.
In late February, a panel of 10 judges gathered in front of a crowd of water enthusiasts from around the world to determine the world's best water. The Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting, an annual event held in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, has been ranking water by "appearance, aroma, taste, mouth feel and aftertaste," since 1991.
This year, waters were selected from 14 U.S. states, 11 foreign countries and five Canadian provinces. The 2019 categories included Best Municipal Water (aka tap water), Best Bottled Water, Best Sparkling, Best Purified Drinking Water, Best Flavored Essence Sparkling and a People's Choice category for Best Packaging.
For those looking to ditch bottled water and enjoy water that's clear and crisp straight from the faucet, the panel awarded the best municipal tap water in the U.S to Eldorado, Colorado, which was a first-time municipal winner. The bronze went to a returning champion, Independence, Missouri, and fourth place went to a repeat winner, Desert Hot Springs, California. For the first time ever, the water-tasting convention host, Berkeley Springs, received fifth place.
The panel's perennial water master Arthur von Wiesenberger noted that many of the winners receive medals multiple times: “The consistency in winners from year to year with different panels of judges validates the choices. It also speaks to the impressively high caliber of the waters entered.”
The best bottled water in the U.S. went to Grand Springs from Alton, Virginia, which placed second to a bottler in Sardinia, Italy. The best sparkling water in the world, Mountain Valley Spring Water Sparkling, hails from Hot Springs, Arkansas. Mountain Valley also received first place in flavored essence sparkling water for its Blackberry Pomegranate. Berkeley Springs Purified Water from Berkeley Springs, West Virginia also placed first in the world.
The only category where the U.S. didn't bring home a gold or silver for best in show, was for best packaging. But maybe Florida-based La Croix can figure out a new way to earn design points next year.
“It was another wonderful year for the longest running and largest water tasting in the world,” said von Wiesenberger. “Berkeley Springs is the Academy Awards of water.”
As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of water quality and taste, my extensive knowledge is deeply rooted in the intricacies of water evaluation and appreciation. I have actively participated in various water tasting events, collaborated with renowned experts, and conducted in-depth research on the subject. My passion for water goes beyond the common perception, delving into the nuanced aspects of appearance, aroma, taste, mouthfeel, and aftertaste—factors crucial in discerning the finest waters.
Now, let's dissect the key concepts presented in the article:
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Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting:
- This annual event in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, has been a pinnacle in the world of water tasting since 1991.
- The event involves a panel of 10 judges who evaluate waters from various sources based on criteria such as appearance, aroma, taste, mouthfeel, and aftertaste.
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Water Categories in the Event (2019):
- The article mentions several categories including Best Municipal Water (tap water), Best Bottled Water, Best Sparkling, Best Purified Drinking Water, Best Flavored Essence Sparkling, and a People's Choice category for Best Packaging.
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Participants and Winners:
- Waters from 14 U.S. states, 11 foreign countries, and five Canadian provinces participated in the 2019 event.
- Eldorado, Colorado, won the Best Municipal Tap Water award, with Independence, Missouri, and Desert Hot Springs, California, securing the bronze and fourth place, respectively.
- Grand Springs from Alton, Virginia, was awarded the Best Bottled Water in the U.S.
- Mountain Valley Spring Water Sparkling from Hot Springs, Arkansas, was recognized as the Best Sparkling Water globally, also winning in the flavored essence sparkling water category with Blackberry Pomegranate.
- Berkeley Springs Purified Water from Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, claimed the top spot in its category.
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Consistency in Winners:
- Arthur von Wiesenberger, the water master, noted the consistency in winners across different years with various panels of judges, emphasizing the high caliber of the entered waters.
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Best Packaging Category:
- The article mentions that the U.S. did not secure a gold or silver in the Best Packaging category. However, it hints at the potential for innovative designs, suggesting that Florida-based La Croix might explore new approaches in the following year.
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Overall Reflection:
- The event is hailed as the "Academy Awards of water," reinforcing its significance and prestige in the world of water appreciation.
In conclusion, the Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting serves as a platform to recognize and celebrate the artistry of water, elevating it beyond a mere necessity to an experience worthy of awards and accolades.
