Hey Water Fam The Waterlady here, and can we just take a sec to cheer for everyone who rode out #DryJanuary with us? Whether you went all the way, just tackled the weekend, or tried out a fancy mocktail or two, I’ve loved seeing your photos, recipes, and fun hydration facts. You all didn’t just give up alcohol you leaned into water in a way that feels good and tastes even better. Let’s close out the month with a big virtual toast (glass of Saint Géron in hand, naturally 🥂💧)!
Now, I know what you’re wondering: what’s next in the world of water? Well, friend, the calendar just got even more exciting because we’ve got not one but two major water-focused awards & tasting events on the horizon this year. Let’s break them down and get you hyped for the future of fine water.
🌍 The Fine Water Society’s Taste & Design Awards 2026 Montreal, Canada
If you’ve ever thought “water has terroir,” you are already ready for this.
The Taste & Design Awards are the gold standard for judging premium waters from around the world still, sparkling, and everything in between. They’re hosted by the Fine Water Society (a global hub for water sommeliers, educators, and serious H2O lovers), and this year the competition is headed to Montreal, Canada on May 15, 2026.
🧠 What It Is
This event isn’t just about pretty bottles it’s a blind tasting judged by a panel of international water sommeliers and experts who score waters based on flavor profile, minerality, mouthfeel, carbonation, and even packaging design. Waters are split into categories like:
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Still water (from super low to very high minerality)
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Sparkling water (natural or added carbonation + minerality levels)
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Design awards for standout packaging and brand identity
Winners receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals just like you’d see with wine competitions only these are for elevating something we all drink every day.
🗓 What’s Happening
The Taste & Design Awards are part of the larger Fine Water Summit, a three-day gathering where water lovers, professionals, and curious sippers come together for tastings, talks, and dinners. Highlights include:
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A blind tasting competition where judges sample waters from around the world
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Awards announcements and celebrations
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A Fine Water Experience Dinner with up to 100 distinct water pairings
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Summit sessions on water culture, terroir, science, and more
It’s basically the Oscars and a really smart tasting dinner for water nerds (and curious newcomers!).
🏆 The Daily Pour Water Choice Awards — A New Wave of Recognition
Okay, this one’s fresh on the scene and just as fun, especially for brands and products that are shaking up the hydration world.
While resources for this event are just being announced for 2026, The Daily Pour a respected drinks guide and media company lists Water Choice Awards as an upcoming event alongside its Zero Proof Choice and other beverage recognitions.
What to Expect
These awards are designed to celebrate the best in non-alcoholic beverages, with categories that — based on early info and Daily Pour’s other awards programming — will include standout waters, innovative hydration products, and more. Think of it as your community choice meets expert tasting for everyday hydration and non-alcoholic excellence.
More details will likely roll out throughout the year (categories, submission deadlines, and judging criteria), but it’s safe to expect:
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Entries from brands around the world
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Judging that blends expert panels and consumer-driven awareness
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Recognition for waters that go beyond “just thirst-quenching” whether that’s unique sourcing, sustainability, packaging, flavor profile, or category leadership
Stay tuned because as soon as the official 2026 lineup drops, I’ll be telling you all about it. (And yes, we’ll celebrate brands you can shop at Salacious Drinks when relevant 😉)
💧 What This Means for All of Us
You took on #DryJanuary with intention and joy and now the wider water world is gearing up for its own moment in the spotlight.
These awards are powerful reminders that water isn’t just hydration it’s culture, craft, place, and personality. They celebrate everything from ancient alpine springs to volcanic snowmelt sources, and they put a spotlight on water as an experience worth exploring.
So cheers to you, your water journey, and the adventures ahead. If something premiered this #DryJanuary — whether it was a mocktail, a new brand discovery, or just a deeper appreciation for what’s in your glass — keep that curiosity flowing.
Stay tuned for more award updates, water news, and maybe a few recipes worthy of pairing with your next bottle. 💙💦
— The Waterlady 🥂