Chateau La Tap
Which bottled water tastes the best? D Home put the crew at Cru Wine Bar to the test.
So, let’s be honest. Other than your body’s daily need for pure H2O, bottled water is simply a great marketing gimmick. Sure, makers might boast fortified minerals, vitamins, and energy-boosting molecules(their words, not ours). But when it comes down to it, their claims are all wet. The only reason to buy bottled water is for the taste, not the hype. So which one is the most flavorful? That’s the question we asked the wine experts at Cru, the West Village’s hip, new wine bar. They sniffed, sipped, swirled, and gave us the liquid lowdown on these special bottled waters.
Trinity
MAKER: Trinity Springs
BOTTLED IN: Paradise, Idaho
CLAIM TO FAME: A crystal-lined granite formation provides silica and fluoride, promoting healthy bones, cartilage, and teeth.
CRU COMMENTS: Good, old water. Nice and simple. This water seems too wet. It’s a watery water. It’s boring”the same old, same old. I sense nothing special here.
VERDICT: This plain Jane water failed to excite palates.
Fiji
MAKER: Natural Sources of Viti
BOTTLED IN: Viti Levu, Fiji
CLAIM TO FAME: Produced by the virgin ecosystem of a volcanic aquifer on the main island of Viti Levu.
CRU COMMENTS: It’s almost filmy. It seems thicker, more viscous. It’s a big water I would serve with wild game or a heavy cream sauce. I like the full feeling.
VERDICT: This heavy island water was no tropical paradise.
Dasani
MAKER: Coca-Cola
BOTTLED IN: North America
CLAIM TO FAME: Purity is achieved through reverse osmosis and the flavor is enhanced with minerals (and a hint of salt).
CRU COMMENTS: It tastes sweet and clean.Refreshing. This would quench my thirst. I find it a little chalky. Ahhh, there’s nothing like purified, glorified tap water.
VERDICT: An easy to drink water with a slight sweetness.
Smart Water
MAKER: Glaceau
BOTTLED IN: Watertown, Conn.
CLAIM TO FAME: Specially formulated with electrolytes for purity, hydration, and maximum detoxification.
CRU COMMENTS: I can taste the minerals in it. It’s crisp and light like a fine Sauvignon Blanc. This would be the one I would drink. It’s an easy sipper. It feels a little lighter.
VERDICT: Light, lively, and the hands-down winner.
