Dear Water Enthusiasts,
I'm thrilled to share the sparkling highlights from the 35th Annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting, which took place this past weekend in our charming town of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. As "The Water Lady," it's my pleasure to bring you the effervescent details of the Carbonated Waters category, where exceptional sparkling waters from around the globe were put to the test.
A Global Effervescent Showcase
This year's competition was truly international, featuring over 80 entries from four continents. The Sparkling Water category stood out with contenders hailing from diverse regions, each bringing their unique mineral compositions and carbonation levels to the table. The meticulous judging process involved ten media professionals who evaluated each entry based on appearance, aroma, taste, mouthfeel, and aftertaste.
And the Winners Are..
After rigorous tasting sessions, the top honors in the Sparkling Water category were awarded as follows:
-Gold Medal: Wilderness Mountain Water Company, Bland, Virginia, USA. This sparkling water captivated the judges with its crisp, refreshing taste and fine bubbles, embodying the pristine nature of the Appalachian Mountains.
-Silver Medal: Antipodes Water, Otakiri, Whakatane, New Zealand. A perennial favorite, Antipodes impressed once again with its balanced mineral profile and elegant effervescence, reflecting the purity of New Zealand's aquifers.
-Bronze Medal: Tesanjaki Kiseljak, Tesanj, Bosnia. This sparkling mineral water stood out for its robust flavor and lively carbonation, a testament to Bosnia's rich geological heritage.
-Fourth Place: Little Hampton Sparkling, Doveton, Victoria, Australia. Known for its smooth mouthfeel and subtle mineral notes, Little Hampton continues to charm palates worldwide.
-Fifth Place: Adobe Mountain, Sacramento, California, USA. A newcomer to the competition, Adobe Mountain made a strong impression with its clean taste and vibrant bubbles.
Celebrating Excellence in Packaging
In addition to taste, presentation plays a vital role in the water industry. The People's Choice Package Design award saw enthusiastic participation, with *Piney Plains Natural Spring Water* from Little Orleans, Maryland, clinching the Gold for its colorful, reusable aluminum container. Wilderness Mountain Water Company also shone in this category, earning the Silver for their distinctive can featuring a woolly mammoth, while Adobe Mountain took home the Bronze with their elegant fluted glass bottle.
A Tribute to Lifelong Commitment
This year's Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed upon the One Drop Foundation. Founded by Cirque du Soleil's visionary creator, Guy Laliberté, the foundation has transformed the lives of nearly 3 million people across Latin America, India, Africa, and Indigenous communities in Canada by ensuring sustainable access to safe water and sanitation. Their innovative approach and dedication to water-related causes have made a profound global impact.
Looking Ahead
As we celebrate these outstanding achievements, we also look forward to the 36th Annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting, scheduled for February 21, 2026. We anticipate another year of discovering and honoring the world's finest waters.
Stay hydrated and appreciative of the pure, sparkling delights our world has to offer.
Warm regards,
Ashley "The Water Lady"