The World Water Tasting Championship

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The World Water Tasting Championship

On a day dedicated to hydration, I had the opportunity to taste and score 65 different waters at the largest water competition in the world. Looking at the table before me, I felt like an athlete ready to dive into an Olympic-sized pool. In front of me were 24 glasses of water, each sourced from a different supplier. My mission was to taste each glass and score them based on various criteria, all while an audience eagerly watched my every sip and gesture.

Berkley Springs - The Competition Venue

Even though I've been drinking water my whole life, I wasn't entirely sure if I was qualified to be a judge at the International Water Tasting Competition in Berkeley Springs, which proudly claims to be the Oscars of water. I had no idea what to expect, other than knowing I’d need to stay well-hydrated. This annual event takes place in a charming resort town in West Virginia, a place where George Washington once soaked in the waters, much like Hollywood in the realm of H2O.

A Vibrant and Memorable Atmosphere

This free event draws hundreds of spectators, including competitors from the water industry, tourists, and locals eager to sample the offerings. By the end of the evening, the Water Rush event takes place, where attendees scramble for souvenirs like rare Antipodes water from New Zealand. This competition has attracted thousands of participants over the past 35 years, with representatives from Bosnia, Taiwan, and Ecuador among others.

The Criteria for Tasting Water

At first, I felt like a fish out of water in this unfamiliar environment. But my new friend, Mark Kraham, a seasoned judge with 28 years of experience, guided me like a mentor helping a bewildered freshman. The biggest challenge would be judging the pure waters, as they lack the chemicals and minerals that contribute to distinctive flavors. I figured I’d have an easier time with tap and spring water.

Judging Training Session

The training for judges took place in the afternoon with a quick 30-minute crash course. The instructor was Arthur von Wiesenberger, who has served as the "Water Master" for 35 years, has authored books on bottled water, and consulted for companies like Evian. He grew up in Europe and became fascinated with local bottled waters during family trips.

Challenging Yet Exciting

We would score the waters based on appearance, aroma, mouthfeel, flavor, and aftertaste, using a 14-point rating system developed by a professor from the University of California, Berkeley. The lowest score, a 1, indicates: 'The water tastes terrible, and I can’t stand it.' The highest score, a 14, means: 'I would gladly drink this water every day.'

The Tasting Trial

As I approached the tasting round with three unlabeled glasses, I took a sip from the first one. The water tasted… well, like water. Nothing exceptional, but also nothing memorable. The second glass seemed cleaner, but I wasn’t sure yet. The third glass was unimaginable, tasting like filtered bathwater. I nearly spat it out!

The First Round of Competition

An hour later, I stepped onto the stage for the first round: tasting 24 samples of tap water. Von Wiesenberger and producer Jill Klein Rone looked at us and commanded in unison, “Let the water flow!” The more I tasted, the thirstier I became. The lights made the glasses sparkle like crystal trophies. After sampling the first four, I chose a favorite to set the benchmark for the rest.

Standout Selections

Several varieties began to stand out. The one I rated the best was near the end of the lineup. While I savored it, von Wiesenberger and Rone entertained the audience with humorous stories and interesting facts about water. Many in the crowd also stood up, lining up at the tasting table to try the very waters we were judging.

Challenges in the Final Round

When we reached the sparkling water round, disaster struck—a real emergency. I needed to use the restroom. Ironically, this was something von Wiesenberger had never mentioned. I wanted to hold on, but the sheer volume of water I’d consumed was overwhelming. Eventually, I quietly slipped off the stage, racing to the restroom at the back of the hall.

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