Smart Water

Smart Water from Esplanda is a bottled still water sold in the mixers aisle. The listing gives no source, mineral content, pH or bottle size, so the notes below describe what to expect from still bottled water in general. Check the label for the specifics. Water of this type is usually close to neutral in taste, with at most a faint mineral or soft finish. That is the property that matters behind a bar. Its main use is controlled dilution. A teaspoon or two in a glass of whisky, brandy or aged rum loosens the spirit, which can bring out softer fruit, grain and wood notes. Add it a little at a time and taste between additions. Chilled still water also works as a rinse or a palate reset between spirits in a tasting flight. Because it has no carbonation, it adds length to a long drink without adding fizz, so it suits spritz-style builds where a soda would make the drink too lively. It also stirs cleanly into cocktails that need dilution but not sweetness or flavor from the mixer. For serving, keep the bottle cold, around refrigerator temperature, when it goes into stirred drinks or an ice-led highball. For spirit tastings, use it at cool room temperature so it doesn't mute the aromas. A tumbler or rocks glass suits a whisky-and-water pour, and a Glencairn or small tulip glass is better for nosing a spirit before you add any water. For highballs and long drinks, use a tall collins or highball glass with plenty of ice.