Water is not just water! When it comes to mineral waters, each source delivers water with a slightly different composition. Variables such as the geology of the rocks through which the water flows; the length of its journey; the vegetation and soil (if any) through which it passes; and the climate of its origin combine to give each mineral water a unique taste. Artesian water, for example, will have a completely different flavour to well water, or deep sea water.
Acknowledging and appreciating these differences allows water sommeliers to compare different mineral waters, giving an informed opinion on quality, as well as suggesting dishes which would work particularly well with a specific water. In the same way that a fine wine is shaped by its terroir (the environment in which the grapes are grown), fine water, too, is a product of its surroundings and journey. Fine water possesses unique, distinctive characteristics which are immediately apparent to a discerning palette.
FineWaters Society – spreading the news about premium mineral waters
Raising awareness of the value which fine water can bring to the table, as well as celebrating the diversity and quality of mineral water worldwide, FineWaters is a prestigious organisation that’s internationally well-respected within the industry. Boasting some of the best water sommeliers among their members, the Fine Water Society’s opinion of a mineral water, based on expert analysis and a wealth of experience, is a valued one. Little wonder, then, that the annual Finewaters International Tasting Competition Taste & Design Awards is probably the most influential and important water tasting competition in the world.
Finewaters International Water Tasting Competition 2019 – Stockholm
The location of the competition is changed each year, reflecting the global nature of mineral water appreciation. Participating brands need to be approved by Finewaters before they are allowed to compete, in itself evidence of a company that bottles and distributes mineral waters of worth. Only natural, unprocessed waters are accepted as entries. With some of the most well-known names in the world of mineral water represented, competition is stiff! There are a number of different classes to enter, covering the various types of mineral water and including categories for still and sparkling water. Both mineral water taste and the design aspect of bottled water are judged as part of the competition. We were privileged to enter several classes at the Stockholm competition, which ran from 23rd to 24th April 2019.
Well-regarded judges at the 2019 Stockholm competition
This year the Finewaters competition was held in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. With an impressive pedigree when it comes to mineral water, Sweden was a fantastic choice! Many of the biggest names in the mineral water world were present, eager to see how their water compared with the other entrants. Judging was undertaken by a team of experienced water sommeliers, each with a different speciality: Jeanette Fili, for example, has a particular interest in pairing the right water with a wine in order to give an exceptional taste experience; Rita Palandrani is a well-known water promoter as well as an expert on the role of water in ancient cultures; Michael Mascha has written a widely acclaimed guide to mineral waters and is a founding member of FineWaters; Sam Wu was the first certified water sommelier in Singapore; and Michael Tanousis, whose particular passion is demystifying the terminology surrounding fine waters so that everybody can articulate their water preference easily and clearly.
Two golds for Beloka mineral water
We were delighted to win Gold in the still medium minerality content class and another Gold in the “added carbonation” medium minerality content class. This builds on our earlier success in 2017, when we were lucky enough to win Gold for sparkling medium minerality content water at the Finewaters competition at Guangzhou, in China. We know that Beloka has an exceptional taste that’s enjoyed by thousands of our customers, so it’s fantastic that its flavour is recognised in an international arena.
Beloka mineral water – leading the way on taste!
We are proud of our Beloka water: not only is 100% Australian, but it’s also a water which has been sourced from a spring located on the eastern border of the Kosciuszko National Park. With a pleasant mineral content and benefiting from exceptional purity, our Beloka water is carefully bottled to encapsulate its fresh, unspoiled taste. The sparkling water has nothing added except carbon dioxide. This gives the same great flavour as the still Beloka, but with the pleasant addition of some bubbles.
The perfect accompaniment to a meal, either alone or paired with a good wine, Beloka also works well as a mixer with an alcoholic beverage, as a pleasant addition to breakfast or served for hydration whenever it’s needed. Why not stock up on a few bottles of Beloka and discover why the Finewaters judges awarded us a Gold?