Report Problem
Translate
Having a literal seat at the table doesn’t have to stop us anymore. We have technology that can bring people together near and far – even for water tastings!
Last month, Louisville Water shipped three containers of its award-winning Louisville Pure Tap® to a group of water enthusiasts in Arlington, Virginia. The idea formed when they heard about Louisville Water’s “tasting experiences” at a bourbon event. It was a Prime education opportunity!
Louisville Water’s Vice President of Communications and Marketing, Kelley Dearing Smith, knew the perfect backdrop for the tasting – the WaterWorks Museum, which tells the story of Louisville’s drinking water.
Next to her laptop, Dearing Smith had four water samples, a tasting mat, and branded bourbon swag on display. Nearly 75 guests attended the afternoon presentation 580+ miles away!
“You will never look at a glass of water the same again,” said Dearing Smith to kick off the tasting. “So, I’m going to open your eyes and open your palate to something a lot of people take for granted and that is high-quality, safe drinking water.”
Dearing Smith highlighted the history of Louisville Water, which dates to 1860, and the undeniable connection to Kentucky’s bourbon sector.
“Bourbon is big business here,” said Dearing Smith. “We provide water to some of the world’s biggest bourbon brands. We put a premium on the aesthetics of our water because if our taste is off, so is everyone else’s.”
In the early 1900s, Louisville Water had a “chief taster” and today scientists ensure every sip tastes the same, Dearing Smith said.
“Today, our water undergoes 200 tests a day – one of which is still a taste test!”
Along with the provided Pure Tap, the group also had a variety of spring, mineral, and bottled waters in front of them.
One by one, Dearing Smith instructed the group to raise a glass to the light, sniff, and sip. After each sample, she waited for feedback.
The first three waters sampled were Smart Water, a distilled water; Gerolsteiner, a German mineral water; and their hometown water, Arlington Water.
Last was Louisville Water’s Pure Tap. Comments like, “it’s good” and “no after taste” flooded the computer screen. Dearing Smith ended with questions from the group.
“What has allowed Louisville Water to become a leader in the water sector?”, one participant asked.
Investing in the future is key, Dearing Smith said. For example, Louisville Water invests $10 to $20 million in preserving or replacing its aging infrastructure every year. And scientists prioritize research to ensure a quality product.
“What I love about water tastings is that they spark a conversation about sustainability and science,” Dearing Smith said. “The more we can have these conversations, the more our communities will benefit.”
Interested in learning more? Schedule an in-person or virtual water tasting of your own!
