Main job: Speaker, Seminar Instructor, Consulting
Origin: Japan
Academy: Fine Water Academy
Water Sommelier since: 2019
E-Mail: ruriko.aqua@gmail.com
Website: https://lit.link/rurikoaqua
Instagram: ruriko_aqua
LinkedIn: ruriko-suzuki-watersommelier
What inspired you to become a Water Sommelière?
Japan is a low mineral water region and most bottled water is low mineral water. I have noticed that many of those low-mineral waters have different tastes. I then began to compare, research, and pursue why EU bottled water, as represented by evian, had different taste characteristics than Japanese water, and in the process, I became certified as a Water Sommelier.
What is your superpower?
I can notice a difference in the taste of low mineral water. Then I can catch the taste of silica.
Can you share a memorable experience you've had as a Water Sommelière?
When I gave a water seminar, one of the students who had been drinking high mineral water gave a unique response. He replied, "It tastes like licking a rusty nail." We rarely lick nails except when we are making furniture or repairing our houses. However, it was a fresh response. There is much to learn from students' comments.
Still or Sparkling?
Sparkling
Low or high TDS?
High TDS
Salty or sweet?
Sweet
What is your favorite water and why?
My favorite water changes from time to time. The water I like to drink differs depending on good or bad conditions, temperature changes, food menu, and all kinds of situations. Of course, when we travel abroad, the temperature and food culture are different from those in Japan, so the water we like and enjoy tastes different.
Please finish the sentence: Water for me is...
the source of life. It is in every sense of the word.
What do you believe is the future of the Water Sommelier profession?
Over the past few years, I believe that people are changing their tastes and preferences as they choose their beverages with their bodies in mind.
With many brands of bottled water on the market, people will become more interested in water quality and more conscious than ever about drinking water. In the future, everyone may have the same level of knowledge as a Water Sommelier. I think we must lead the way for that time and guide people with accurate knowledge. For this reason, I believe it is necessary to constantly input a wide range of knowledge.
How do you think valuing water contributes to a more sustainable future?
As everyone learns more extensively about water, they will realize that the 17 goals of the SDGs are all water-related goals.
When people learn about the conditions surrounding water around the world, they will also become aware of poverty, inequality, climate change, and the environment. It will lead individuals to care for nature and water.
What else would you like to share with the community?
I would like to share information about markets, laws, water brands, etc. in each country.
It is great to have Water Sommelier friends all over the world. I look forward to meeting them someday!
Ruriko, thank you for the interview!
Best regards
Timo Bausch
Certified Water Sommelier
You are also a Certified Water Sommelier and would like to introduce yourself to the community? Then write me a short e-mail with the keyword "SOMMUNITY" to hello@sommcademy.com.
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