Hey Water Lovers,
Friday marks the exciting start of the Fine Waters Summit 2025 in Atlanta, GA, and I couldn’t be more thrilled! The event is going to be packed with over 100 premium waters from all around the globe, and yes, you guessed it – I’ll be there as one of the judges! 🌍💧
This year, we’ll be judging waters not only for their taste but also for their design. Yes, you heard that right – it's not just about what’s inside the bottle, but also the presentation. It's a truly exciting blend of craftsmanship, innovation, and artistry. I can’t wait to dive into the tasting experience!
Why Are We Judging Water?
You might be thinking, "Why would someone judge water?" Well, it's all about the experience that the water provides. As a certified water sommelier, I’ve learned that taste is just the beginning. Water is a sensory experience — it touches our senses in ways that can elevate moments in our lives, whether we’re sipping during a meal or hydrating after a workout.
At the Fine Waters Summit, our judging panel, which consists of international water sommeliers (including yours truly!), will evaluate waters on a few key factors:
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Taste Profile: Is it clean and refreshing? Does it feel smooth or slightly mineral-rich on the palate? Does the water’s taste enhance or complement the drinking experience?
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Mineral Content: What’s in the water that adds to its taste, like magnesium, calcium, or sodium? This can have a big impact on both flavor and health benefits.
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Design & Packaging: Does the bottle tell a story? Does it capture the essence of the water’s origin and appeal to the customer visually? The design is a key element that helps the water stand out.
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Sustainability: How does the brand ensure that its water is responsibly sourced? Does the packaging align with eco-friendly values?
Where to Watch the Fine Waters Summit Live!
Now, I know some of you can’t make it to Atlanta (I wish you could all join me!), but don’t worry – you can still be a part of the excitement. The event will be live-streamed, and I’ll be streaming along with it to give you a behind-the-sceneslook at the judging process. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a water sommelier in action, now’s your chance to see it firsthand!
Keep an eye on The Droplet and our social media platforms for updates, streaming links, and more. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on the exclusive commentary as we taste and judge some of the finest waters in the world!
What to Expect During the Tasting
The tasting event will feature wines and waters from all over the world, ranging from the crystal-clear springs of Europe to the artesian waters of the Americas and beyond. Each water will be poured into elegant glasses (no plastic here!) and served at the perfect temperature to bring out its best qualities. We’ll evaluate based on:
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Clarity: The water should look as clean and pure as it tastes.
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Freshness: How lively is the water? Does it invigorate you or leave you feeling refreshed and hydrated?
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Mouthfeel: Is it smooth, crisp, or slightly velvety?
We’ll be making our final decisions based on these factors, but it’s no easy task! Every judge has a slightly different preference, so it will be interesting to see what comes out on top in this exciting competition.
Wrapping Up
The Fine Waters Summit is an incredible opportunity to learn about, taste, and celebrate the finest waters from around the world. I hope you’ll join me on this hydrating journey as we explore the best of the best! Whether you’re watching the live stream or following along on social media, this is an event that brings people together to appreciate the beauty and significance of the water we drink.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights on the competition. And, of course, if you’re looking to explore these premium waters yourself, don’t forget to check out salaciousdrinks.com for curated water tasting boxes and premium bottled waters from brands featured at the summit.
Can’t wait to taste, judge, and share it all with you!
Cheers to fine waters,
Ashley Epperson
The Waterlady