Best of the Rest

A tasting provides the best introduction to the surprising richness of epicurean experiences with water. A water tasting should be a fun introduction to the differences in bottled waters.

- Buy as many waters as possible from each of the five FineWaters Balance categories: Still, Effervescent, Light, Classic, and Bold. One bottle is enough for six to eight people. You should have at least ten waters - fifteen is a better number (two to three in each category). Within each of the categories, try to find waters with different TDS levels, sources (spring water or rainwater), or countries or regions of origin.

- Chill all the waters to about 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13°C) to nicely showcase the differences in the waters. Make sure they stay at the same temperature throughout the tasting otherwise their qualities (or the perception of them) will change.

- You will need two to three proper water glasses per person.

- Start with Still and work your way through the levels up to Bold. You can swallow, but have a bucket ready for emptying glasses.

- Serve bread or crackers, but not salty food.

- Make notes if you wish, describing how the water feels (short, long, focused, wide, and so forth).

Because the waters vary significantly in mineral content, mouthfeel, and other characteristics, it will be hard to pick a best water. Instead, think of foods that would be good complements to particular waters.