26 protocols · One standard

Sensory Quality System™

Water

Mineral and spring waters — purity, minerality and mouthfeel.

Water Sensory Quality System™

What sensory evaluation techniques are necessary to identify and measure water excellence?

To identify the excellence of water through sensory relies on descriptive profiling, threshold testing, hedonic scales, and discrimination method using trained panels, with protocols adapted for the subtle nature of water aroma, taste, and appearance. These approaches are critical for bottled water, tap water, and other drinking waters subject to strict standards of sensory purity.

Some of the sensory attributes evaluated

Appearance

Clarity, color, visual defects (cloudiness, discoloration, particulates).

Aroma

Clean, fresh, neutral, off-odors (chlorinous, earthy, musty, metallic, sulfury), intensity and detectability versus reference water.

Taste

Freshness, neutrality, sweetness, bitterness, saltiness, sourness, astringency, off-flavor notes (chlorine, chemical, earthy, metallic), intensity and acceptability.

Texture

Smoothness, absence of sliminess, graininess, temperature effects.

Implementation

  • Panels typically consist of at least 4–6 trained tasters.

These methods and criteria allow for a comprehensive sensory identification and grading of water, supporting effective product evaluation and differentiation.

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