Singapore International Water Week took place earlier this month and that got us thinking about “the elixir of life.” After all, at a time when environmental concerns make the very idea of transporting water politically incorrect, do you really need expensive imported water? With Ice Mountain and Dasani acting as our everyday local controls, we decided to find out.
STILL
Acqua Panna, $1.95 (500 ml)
An abrasive, bitter water. As if you’re sipping just downstream from a dead sheep. Enough said.
Dasani, $0.50 (600ml)
Fairly ordinary, but with a fullness and no sharp flavors, which in this case is a good thing.
Evian, $1.20 (330 ml)
It’s heavy duty water this, and leaves a thin film on your tongue. At the risk of sounding pretentious, yes, you can absolutely taste the minerality.
*I-S PICK* Fiji, $1.65 (500 ml)
A thick, substantial water with a lush mouthfeel that’s nice and crisp. If we were stranded on a desert island, this is the one we’d be dreaming of.
Highland Spring, $1.20 (330ml)
Aside from being fairly ordinary, it has a sharp, astringent aftertaste that is simply horrible.
Ice Mountain $0.50 (500 ml)
A real plain Jane that’s bland and flavorless, with an end note that made us regret swallowing.
Purence, $2.05 (389ml)
Fresh and clean with an almost sugary finish. Overall, it’s quite a pleasant drink but it wouldn’t be the first thing we’d reach for.
Vittel, $1.30 (330 ml)
There’s a distinct powdery, almost chalky taste and texture. Plus a slightly sour aftertaste that assures it’s not getting our vote. Ever.
Volvic, $1.45 (500 ml)
Not overly mineral-ly, this is a well-rounded and structured sip that’s quite satisfying.
SPARKLING
Eau de Perrier, $3.10 (750ml)
It has big bubbles that will smack you awake (despite the fact that they market it as “lightly sparkling”). There’s also the faintest hint of lemon.
Oldenlandia Water, $0.90 (270ml)
Truly revolting. Exceedingly salty with a distinct (and distinctly unpleasant) Chinese herbal taste. Forget about it.
*I-S PICK* San Pellegrino Terme, $1.95 (500ml)
It’s pleasantly sparkling and leaves some residual sweetness on the tongue. The fizz is just right and gives your mouth a tingle, in an entirely good way.
San Benedetto, $2.30 (1500ml)
If you like bubbles, this is a bit flat. We’re talking very, very minimal carbonation. There’s also a mild lemon-y tinge and not a hint of bitterness—delish.
Source Badoit, $5.35 (750ml)
Meh. Quite mild in terms of carbonation level and taste, we weren’t thoroughly impressed. Let’s just say that if this was a date, there wouldn’t be a second.
Voss, $4.90 (375 ml)
This pricey Norwegian import is fizzy H2O for wimps. The taste is fine, but there just aren’t enough bubbles (as if it’s been opened and left standing out).
Essentials:
Most, if not all, are available at major supermarkets but prices vary.
We got all but one of ours at Cold Storage Holland Village (#01-05, 233 Holland Village, 6468-5566).
Voss is sold at Jones the Grocer (#01‑12 Blk. 9 Dempsey Hill, Dempsey Rd., 6476‑1512).
