In the busy streets of Abuza, Nigeria, or wherever life leads you, hydration is an everyday must. As a sustainable option, reusable bottles work great, but sometimes you want the convenience of a bottled water scooped up while on-the-run. With grocery store shelves filled with hundreds of brands, you may ask if they even taste differently. If you’ve ever sipped one and noticed a distinct flavor whether crisp and refreshing or oddly off you’re not alone. A seasoned sommelier, Belinda Chang, has taken on the challenge of ranking bottled waters in a blind taste test, revealing which ones fall flat and which ones shine. This is an exploration of the fine art of tasting water, from the lackluster to the sublime, as you select a bottle that takes your hydration to the next level.
The Art of Tasting Water
Water tasting may sound like an odd activity, but for someone like Chang, it’s an art form. Water is not only a transparent liquid it has the spirit of its origin, from the earth’s minerals to the filtering process that gives it its personality. Chang scored each brand on taste, aroma, mouthfeel, and finish, looking for purity and a sense of its place without off-note characteristics. Her careful consideration emphasizes that water can be as subtle as wine, with top bottles providing a crisp, clean experience that speaks to their own history. This list provides a reference point for anyone wanting to make hydration not only necessary but also a pleasure.
The Lower Ranks: Where Taste Falls Short
6. Naleczowianka: Just Above the Bottom
Coming in at number six, Naleczowianka finds middle ground on Chang’s list. It’s not one of the worst of the worst, but it’s still in the “top 5 worst” bottled waters, which implies it falls short of greatness. Though it skates past the harsh faults of the lower-ranked brands i.e., metallic or chemical aftertastes it’s missing the characteristics that make a water great. It maybe has a slightly dense mineral character or flat finish that prevents it from ascending higher. For daily hydration, it does the trick but won’t have you grabbing another drink with excitement. Naleczowianka is a threshold, the point at which the truly great waters start to manifest.
The Top Tier: Where Hydration Shines
The top five packaged waters in Chang’s list stand above the pack, providing exactly what it promises: pure, clean hydration. These brands stood out with their balance, purity, and capacity to express their origins, impressing an experienced palate capable of discerning subtle variations. Whether pulling up to a busy day in Abuja or enjoying a peaceful moment, these waters elevate the simple act into an experience.
5. Evian: A Timeless Trust
Leading off the top five is Evian, a brand that is known for being of the best quality. Extracted from the French Alps, this water amazed Chang with its pure, crisp flavor and appropriately balanced mineral content. Unlike lower-ranked waters that could have a salty or pipe-like flavor, Evian offers a silky, refreshing taste that feels clean from the very first sip. Its number-five ranking reflects its reliability whether you’re hydrating after a workout or during a work break, Evian offers a consistent, premium feel. It’s a familiar choice that proves its reputation isn’t just marketing hype but a reflection of genuine quality.
4. Smeraldina: A Hidden Gem
At number four, Smeraldina emerges as a lesser-known contender that holds its own against bigger names. Originating from an artesian well in Sardinia, Italy, this water probably enchanted Chang with its velvety mouthfeel and crisp, persistent finish. Its high ranking indicates a harmonious balance of minerals that puts it just above Evian, providing a sophisticated drinking experience. Smeraldina is the type of water you find serendipitously and then look for on purpose, great for those in need of something distinctive to take their hydration routine to the next level.
3. SmartWater: Fresh and Contemporary
Taking the number-three position, SmartWater is notable for its fresh, clean flavor. Its vapor-distilled production and electrolytes for added flavor give it a taste that’s both clean and refreshing, with no off-notes to bring a lesser brand down. Chang’s superior scores for taste, aroma, and finish show that SmartWater offers a continually pleasing experience. It’s a contemporary option, perfect for city living in Abuha or anyone who requires a rapid, trustworthy shot of hydration any day. Its minimalist design makes it an instant favorite for those who prioritize taste and ease.
2. Fiji: Almost Perfect
Fiji takes the number-two position, getting close to flawless in Chang’s review. Its source is a natural artesian aquifer in the Fijian Islands, and the water impressed us with its soft, silky texture and subtle mineral flavor. Its passage through volcanic rock imparts a balanced, nearly silky texture that distinguishes it from most of the competition. Chang probably enjoyed its purity and crisp finish, which mirror its pristine source. Fiji is the bottle that you grab when you desire to quench your thirst with the sensation of a mini-vacation to a tropical heaven.
1. Roundy’s: The Surprising Hero
The number one spot belongs to an unexpected hero: Roundy’s. This dark horse impressed in Chang’s blind taste test, becoming the best bottled water. Its exceptional performance across taste, smell, mouthfeel, and finish suggests a pristine, perfectly balanced profile that captures the essence of its source. Roundy’s doesn’t rely on a flashy brand or exotic marketing it simply delivers a drinking experience that feels pure and refreshing. This surprise victory highlights the power of expert tasting to uncover hidden gems, proving that the best water might be one you’ve never noticed before.
Selecting Your Ideal Bottle
This flavor-test tour of bottled waters yields an unmistakable truth: all hydration is not equal. From Naleczowianka’s unremarkable showing to Roundy’s surprising victory, every brand produces a unique experience influenced by its origin and manufacture. For those hurrying through Abuja’s vibrant markets or stopping for a moment of serenity anywhere, the high-end waters Roundy’s, Fiji, SmartWater, Smeraldina, and Evian offer more than mere thirst satisfaction. They provide an instant of refreshment that feels deliberate and satisfying.
Chang’s ratings encourage us to remember that water need not be only a need; it can be a minor daily indulgence. The distinction between a forgettable drink and an enjoyable one is in the detail’s purity, balance, and connection to the ground. On your next trip to a supermarket, look for one of these top performers. No matter whether you’re captivated by the tropical charm of Fiji or Roundy’s humble greatness, you’ll be picking a bottle that takes hydration from the ordinary to the delightful. Let this inspire you to reconsider your next drink, transforming a mundane moment into a refreshing ritual.
