Preliminary tasting judges test bottled, non-carbonated entries.
BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. — The 24th annual Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting festival kicked off Thursday at the Country Inn. The largest and longest-running water tasting in the world, the festival this year features several dozen entries, including waters from more than 20 states and across Canada, as well as Bosnia, China, Germany, Greece, Japan, New Zealand, Tanzania, Thailand, Serbia and South Korea. Waters in five categories are judged on the basis of appearance, odor, flavor, mouthfeel and aftertaste. A people’s choice award is also given for package design. The festival will continue in Berkeley Springs through Sunday. For more information, visit www.berkeleysprings.com/water.