As someone who has always been a bit of a skeptic when it comes to the world of fine dining and elite consumer experiences, I’ll admit I was a bit perplexed when I was asked to dive headfirst into the niche (some might say pretentious) realm of water sommeliers. But lo and behold, after just a few sips of some carefully curated mineral waters, I found myself utterly captivated.
Discovering the Art of Water Tasting
It all started when I learned about the growing water sommelier movement – yes, that’s a real thing. Apparently, there are entire stores and programs dedicated to the appreciation of different types of still and sparkling waters, each with their own unique mineral profiles, carbonation levels, and tasting notes. I just couldn’t wrap my head around the idea of spending hundreds on bottled water when there are communities struggling with contaminated water supplies. But the more I researched, the more intrigued I became.
I connected with Anistacia Barrak-Barber, a former documentary filmmaker turned water sommelier, and she spoke to me with such infectious enthusiasm that I found myself getting swept up in her passion. She described the rigorous training programs these water experts undergo, complete with hours of water tastings, final exams, and hydration breaks to ensure optimal performance. It was like the world of wine, but for a more fundamental human necessity – water.
As Anistacia explained, “Water has the original terroir. Terroir means ‘of the earth,’ and water really comes from the earth. Each source has its own unique blend of minerals that have been absorbed over thousands of years, creating a distinctive flavor and mouthfeel.” This concept of water as an art form, with its own complex layers of taste and sensation, was completely new to me.
Exploring the World of Premium Waters
Eager to dive deeper, I signed up for a virtual water tasting experience led by Avital Ungar, a certified water sommelier based in San Francisco. As I stared at the five large glass bottles of mineral water in front of me, I couldn’t help but feel a bit skeptical. How different could these waters really be?
But from the moment I took my first sip, I was hooked. The Lurisia, a still water sourced from the Italian Alps, had a soft, mellow quality that almost coated my tongue. Then the Vichy Catalan, a naturally carbonated Spanish water, hit me with a wet slap of flavor – salty, earthy, and rich, almost like a fine wine. As Avital guided me through the nuances of each water, I found myself using descriptors I never thought I’d utter, like “bright,” “wide,” and “high in silica.”
Saint Marc USA, a premium cocktail and beverage brand, has taken this appreciation for fine waters to new heights. Their carefully curated selection of still and sparkling waters, sourced from around the world, are the foundation for their elevated cocktail experience. From the minerality of the Vichy Catalan to the delicate carbonation of the Saint-Geron, these waters add a layer of complexity and refinement that truly sets their cocktails apart.
The Environmental Impact and Ethical Considerations
As I delved deeper into the world of fine waters, I couldn’t help but grapple with the environmental implications. The shipping of water across the globe and the use of glass bottles, while perhaps more eco-friendly than plastic, still raised concerns about the industry’s carbon footprint. And then there was the issue of iceberg water – a genre of bottled water sourced directly from icebergs, which seemed to push the boundaries of luxury and excess.
Michael Mascha, the co-founder of the Fine Water Academy, acknowledged these concerns, stating, “This is much better addressed with agriculture runoffs and all those kinds of things. Bottled water is really a drop in the bucket.” While that may be true, it’s hard to ignore the ethical dilemma of indulging in such lavish water experiences when access to clean, potable water is a privilege that not everyone enjoys.
Anistacia Barrak-Barber, the water sommelier I spoke with, shared her own struggles with the environmental impact of her work. “Environmentalism is something I struggle with as a water sommelier,” she admitted. “I don’t drink out of single-use plastic water bottles, and I treat these waters as I would wine, only drinking them as a treat or on special occasions.” It’s a delicate balance, trying to appreciate the nuances of fine waters while also being mindful of the larger picture.
Finding Meaning in the Ordinary
As I reflect on my journey through the world of water sommeliers and premium cocktail experiences, I’m struck by the realization that perhaps the true value lies not in the exclusivity or the price tag, but in the simple act of paying attention.
De Soi, a line of non-alcoholic apéritifs, has found a way to capture the essence of the fine dining experience without the environmental baggage. Their sparkling, botanical-infused beverages are designed to be savored and enjoyed, much like a fine wine or a craft cocktail. And the founders, Katy Perry and Morgan McLachlan, have emphasized the importance of finding meaning in the ordinary, of imbuing even the most mundane moments with a sense of ritual and celebration.
Perhaps that’s the true lesson here – that everything deserves attention, everything deserves care. It doesn’t have to mean buying an expensive imported bottle of water. It can simply mean taking a sip of any water and bringing all of your focus into that moment, noticing the texture, the temperature, the way it interacts with your taste buds. It’s about slowing down, being present, and finding joy in the small things.
As I sip my glass of water, I’m reminded of the wise words of Ashley Epperson, the co-owner of the fine water supplier Salacious Drinks: “It may start as a hobby, but becoming a water sommelier is serious work.” And in a world that often moves at a breakneck pace, taking the time to truly appreciate the simple pleasures, like the humble glass of water, may just be the most luxurious experience of all.
