Episode Details

In a world where water is supposed to be tasteless, a small but growing group insists it has terroir. At a Fine Water Summit in Atlanta, judges swirl, sip, and score bottled waters from around the globe, parsing mineral content and mouth-feel with the seriousness of a wine tasting. In this episode, we explore the rise of water connoisseurship, from the influence of Michael Mascha, the Austrian evangelist behind restaurant water menus, to the surge of artisanal brands embraced by younger consumers and viral influencers. What begins as a story of luxury and distinction ultimately opens onto a deeper paradox: how the elevation of bottled water as a premium product intersects with growing awareness of environmental limits and the global scarcity of clean, drinkable water.

https://www.economist.com/united-states/2025/04/27/water-sommeliers-say-the-simplest-drink-is-the-future-of-luxury