Best water? I'll tell you...

As a Water Sommelier, I am often asked, “What is the best water?”

The short answer is simple: the water that tastes best to you. After all, when you like the taste of something, you automatically drink more of it. And that's what everyday life is all about: keeping your body hydrated.

However, on closer consideration, the answer depends on how you intend to use the water. Mineral and medicinal waters differ significantly in their mineral content, making them suitable for different situations.

Here are a few examples to help you find the best water for your needs:

The best water for sports

When you sweat, your body loses fluid and minerals, especially sodium, calcium and magnesium. Water that is rich in minerals and has a high sodium content helps distribute fluid throughout the body. This allows cells to absorb water and retain it in the tissue. Magnesium supports muscle function and prevents cramps, while calcium contributes to normal muscle contraction and nerve transmission. Water with a high sodium, calcium and magnesium content is therefore ideal.

You may find this article interesting if you would like to learn more about this topic.

The best water for tea and coffee

Both tea and coffee are at least 90 per cent water. It is therefore easy to see how much of an influence the water has on the taste of these beverages.

In a self-test with a local coffee roaster, I examined the effect that water has on espresso and filter coffee.

The result? Depending on the aromatic properties of the coffee bean, mineral water can either enhance or negatively affect the aroma. Hard water often masks the aromas of coffee and can also damage coffee machines. However, calcium-rich water can enhance the flavour of coffees with sweet notes. Conversely, water that is too soft often fails to bring out the acidity and aromas.

You may find this article interesting if you would like to learn more about this topic.

The best water to accompany wine?

One of my favourite topics is 'Which water goes with wine?' At numerous events, I have explored this question with participants. They are always fascinated by how much of an impact water can have on the taste of wine. At these events, I explain the role that carbon dioxide and minerals play in selecting the right water. For instance, waters containing bicarbonate buffer the acidity, causing acidic wines to lose their character. Conversely, sodium chloride can enhance the salty notes in white wines. You can find out more in this article.

Here's what you should definitely keep in mind when drinking wine:

• Sweet white wines go very well with carbonated mineral water.

• Semi-dry and dry white wines, on the other hand, are better suited to less carbonated water, or even still water.

• However, carbonation should always be avoided when drinking red wine, as the tannins it contains do not go well with acidity.

The best water for pregnant women

Symptoms such as cramps, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, nausea, indigestion and heartburn often occur during pregnancy. Natural mineral and medicinal waters can help to prevent or alleviate these symptoms. For instance, magnesium-rich waters can help with cramps, and waters with a high sulphate content (more than 1,000 mg/l) can alleviate constipation.

You can find more information on this topic here.

The best water for heartburn

Around 30 per cent of the German population suffers from occasional heartburn. Possible causes include advancing age, obesity, pregnancy and poor diet. The right mineral water can help solve the problem. I recommend water with a high bicarbonate content, as this mineral can bind acid. Look for a content of at least 1,300 mg per litre. I have compiled a list of suitable waters for you here.

Conclusion:

It is not easy to answer the question of which mineral water is best. It depends entirely on how you intend to use it. The important thing is to find the right water for you.

My advice would be to go to a beverage store and buy five or six different types of mineral water with varying mineral content. Then, test them to see which you like the taste of the most and how they make you feel. Your body will tell you which water it needs, when it needs it, and which is best.

With that said: Drink water, #stayhydrated

Viele Grüße

Timo Bausch

Zertifizierter Wassersommelier

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Über Timo Bausch

Meine Faszination für Mineralwässer begann im Jahr 2016 während der Ausbildung zum Wassersommelier. Seitdem beschäftige ich mich mit den Besonderheiten und der Vielfalt von Wässern. Neben dem Pairing von Wasser mit Speisen, Wein, Kaffee und anderen Getränken biete ich Wasserkarten für Restaurants und Hotels. Zudem liegt es mir am Herzen, auf die Wichtigkeit des Wassertrinkens aufmerksam zu machen.