FineWaters Introduces the FineWaters Balance; New Rating System for Bottled Water Identifies Factors That Enhance Enjoyment.

Features & Lifestyle Editors

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 8, 2003

FineWaters today announced the introduction of the FineWaters Balance (FWB), a new scale that will help drinkers of fine, bottled water distinguish between the varying degrees of sparkling and still waters. The FWB applies several factors that can enhance the enjoyment of these waters. In a new article (at www.finewaters.com) titled "Drinking FineWaters - At What Temperature?," FineWaters details how waters across the FWB should be served at varying temperatures for enhanced enjoyment.

As FineWaters readily acknowledges, the difference in fine, bottled waters is subtle -- some might even say indistinguishable. But the differences between the "loud, large bubbles" of a Perrier or a Ty Nant are quite distinct from the "fine, almost champagne-like" bubbles of a Badoit or Voss, the company notes. The FWB helps to define these distinguishing characteristics for those who are considering different kinds of bottled water.

Additionally, factors such as serving temperature and stemware can also be taken into consideration when drinking fine bottled waters. By further classifying fine, bottled waters into categories, integrating these factors can enhance the consumption experience even more.

"Our hope is that the FineWaters Balance can become an easy-to-understand standard for referring to different waters," said Dr. Michael Mascha, Publisher of FineWaters. "As bottled water grows in popularity as a choice in fine restaurants, our hope is that restaurateurs will begin to recognize a need for a bottled water in each category."

The FineWaters Balance starts with "Bold" to define sparkling waters with large, loud bubbles and progresses through Classic, Light, Effervescent and Still as the scale evolves. FineWaters points out that there is no explicit or implied scale of "quality" associated with the FWB. It is merely a "balance" of waters -- and how FineWaters suggests that waters can be enjoyed more fully.

In the article released today on the FineWaters web site, "Drinking FineWaters - At What Temperature?," Dr. Mascha details how different waters can be served at different temperatures for a more enjoyable experience. For example, Dr. Mascha notes how most water is served at varying degrees and that, like wine, water can begin to take on new kinds of properties as the temperature fluctuates.

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FineWaters is the elegant destination and authoritative voice for the fast emergence of water connoisseurs and their accompanying lifestyle. With exclusive editorial, exhaustive research and a keen attention to the Epicurean life, FineWaters provides a thorough and interactive guide to the products, places, events and passion that define the purity of fine living.