Article Cover Photo: © itan1409e from Getty Images via canva.com
This post is all about the most expensive water you can buy today, and the 16 brands that produce the most expensive water bottles.
Where there is water, there is life… and yet it’s something that so many of us take for granted. But how much would you be willing to pay for bottled water?…
Every so often, we like to cover a different side to luxury living. Of course, luxury living is all about living your best and most fulfilled life in whatever way that means to you, but sometimes, it’s fascinating to look at luxury from a different perspective. Today, we’re looking at luxury from the perception of scarcity, rarity and in some cases, the downright opulence – the world of luxury water bottles.
We’re looking at some of the most expensive water brands available today, and what makes them the most expensive water you can buy. Is it superior natural mineral water? Is it the bottle it comes in? Or is there some other secret that we just don’t know about?
Whether you’re reading this article as a buyer of world’s finest items, as an individual that generally takes an interest in any esoteric luxury goods company they come across or just out of sheer curiosity, we’ve got the answers!
- A Guide to The World’s Most Expensive Water
- Is More Expensive Water Better?
- What is a Water Sommelier?
- The Most Expensive Water Bottled Water Brands
- What is the World’s Most Expensive Water?
- More of the World’s Most Expensive Water
- 2. Beverly Hills 9OH2O Luxury Collection Diamond Edition
- 3. Bling H2O The Ten Thousand
- 4. Ô Amazon Air Water
- 5. NEVAS Deklart
- 6. Kona Nigari Water
- 7. Fillico Jewelry Water
- 8. Evian Activate Movement x Virgil Abloh
- 9. Svalbarði Polar Iceberg Water
- 10. Uisge Source
- 11. ROI Water
- 12. Minus 181
- 13. Berg
- 14. BLVD Water
- 15. 10 Thousand BC
- 16. Tasmanian Rain
This article contains affiliate links
A Guide to The World’s Most Expensive Water
The most expensive water in the world was sold at auction for over $100,000 per liter. Most people have no idea about the world of luxury water, water sommeliers (and what they actually do), and how much the most expensive water brands in the world actually charge.
We’re lifting the lid on the world of expensive water and uncovering all the things you want to know! Even if you’re not a buyer of expensive water, this will sure make for some interesting dinner conversations!
Is More Expensive Water Better?
The honest answer is, it depends..
You might think that the most expensive waters in the world are especially high-quality and pure or that their taste is exceptional. This is definitely true to some extent, however, the high prices are often justified by the packaging, which can contain features such as black diamonds, or 24-carat gold in some cases.
It all boils down to the personal preference of the buyer, their likes and dislikes, their priorities, and ultimately, their budget!
What is a Water Sommelier?
Think wine sommelier, but with water. And just like a wine sommelier can guide individuals, restaurants, hotels, clubs and other eateries on how to taste and evaluate wine, a water sommelier does just that with waters from around the world.
This may not yet be as popular as having someone recommend your wine at a restaurant, but it is definitely gaining popularity in certain locations around the world. Think about it – the very first thing brought to your table after being seated at a restaurant is a bottle of water. Why not have choices, and learn more about the qualities of the water you are about to drink?
Martin Riese, Water Expert and possibly the most well-known certified Water Sommelier, actually curates water menus for discerning guests who value the character of their water just as much as their wine! There is, indeed, a market for everything.
The Most Expensive Water Bottled Water Brands
We’ve selected 16 of the most expensive waters around, and listed them here in no particular order, other than starting with, and dedicating a section to, the most expensive water on the planet. It’s important to note that not all of these luxury water brands are available commercially, with some being limited editions, and some no longer in production.
What is the World’s Most Expensive Water?
1. Acqua di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani
The Acqua di Cristallo Tributo a Modigliani was the most expensive water bottle in the world ever sold. It’s not commercially available but was sold at a 2010 auction in Mexico City for the equivalent of $80,400, equating to over $107,000 per liter. Planet Foundation A.C, a non-profit sold the one-of-a-kind bottle, and the proceeds went to support the cause of fighting climate change and protecting the environment.
The water bottle itself is coated in 24-carat gold with a further 5 mg of gold infused in the water. The contents are a blend of spring water from Fiji, France and glaciers in Iceland, although it is unlikely that they will be consumed any time soon.
The bottle was made by Fernando Altamirano, a renowned bottle designer, who made it as a tribute to the late Italian artist Amedeo Clemente Modigliani. Altamirano also worked on the bottle of the Cognac Dudognon Heritage Henri IV, considered the most expensive bottle of cognac in the world.
More of the World’s Most Expensive Water
2. Beverly Hills 9OH2O Luxury Collection Diamond Edition
Winner of the World’s Best Water Award, Beverly Hills 9OH2O was designed to reflect the elegance and vitality of Beverly Hills. With a ‘silky smooth and incredibly crisp‘ taste, Beverly Hills 9OH2O water usually costs around $70 per liter.
This high-end water brand also offers clients its Luxury Collection Diamond Edition – a custom-designed one liter glass bottle, which is often considered the most expensive commercially available water in the world. It costs over $100,000 per liter but is currently only available on the resale market. The cap of this limited-edition bottle is encrusted with 250 black and 600 white diamonds with a total of 14 carats.
When purchasing the Diamond Edition, customers also receive four matching engraved tumblers and a one-year supply of the Beverly Hills 90H20 lifestyle edition water, which retails at $72 per bottle.
3. Bling H2O The Ten Thousand
Bling H2O’s The Ten Thousand is one of the most expensive bottled waters in the world. They usually produce water for around $50 to $100 per liter, focusing on extravagant and intricately decorated bottles.
The Ten Thousand, which costs $3,600 per liter, is their most expensive bottle of water and gets its name from the 10,000 Swarovski crystals that are hand placed for each custom order. The color combination can be personalized upon request, and these bottles are often used as statement pieces or décor.
The water, which originates from the Palomar Mountain in Southern California, is said to taste fresh and neutral, although the focus is definitely on the exterior of the bottle, more than what’s inside.
4. Ô Amazon Air Water
Ô Amazon is a Brazilian water brand that creates not only one of the most expensive waters but also holds several patents for its one-of-a-kind technology. Their so-called Air Water is produced by removing moisture from the air and filtering the resulting water through a special process.
They refer to their water source as the flying rivers of the Amazon River, and their bottling process prioritizes sustainability, promising that the water production has no negative environmental impact.
The regular Ô Amazon bottles sell for around $100 per liter, but their collaboration project with the artist Duda Penteado to create Ô Amazon Bird of Revelation, costs over $2,000 per liter, making it one of the most expensive in the world.
The Ô Amazon company is dedicated to protecting the planet’s rainforests and uses the majority of the profits to work on its innovative technology and combat global warming.
5. NEVAS Deklart
The German company NEVASWATER produces a range of high-end waters, costing around $30 to $50 per liter. Their most expensive bottle is the NEVAS Deklart Design Edition by the German graffiti artist Dennis Klapschus. His work incorporates ideas from cartoons and childhood, leading to bright and colorful works of art.
The NEVAS Deklart bottles sell for more than $1,000 per liter and are definitely a statement piece with their UV reflective paint and colorful splatters and slogans. The sleek bottle painted in neon colors is meant to represent the clash between elegance and modern art, resulting in a provocative and unique piece.
The focus of NEVAS Deklart is less on the water and more on the bottle, although the brand’s natural spring water has won several awards.
6. Kona Nigari Water
Kona Nigari Water is mainly sold in the country of Japan, and its high price point of over $400 for a 750ml bottle is often attributed to its supposed health benefits. Unlike many of the other pricey beverages on this list, Kona Nigari comes in a very plain bottle that may not look like much to average water drinkers.
The contents are actually desalinated ocean water obtained from over 2,000 feet below the surface close to the island of Hawaii. This water is said to be ideal for hydration and, in addition to that, very sustainable since seawater is considered a nearly endless resource.
7. Fillico Jewelry Water
Fillico Jewelry Water is one of the most expensive water bottles in the world, at least, of those available commercially. This Osaka-based Japanese brand creates water for high-end events as well as collector’s bottles which are frequently part of limited edition series.
The water comes from the Nunobiki spring close to Kobe and Osaka in Japan, and the bottles are decorated with hundreds of Swarovski crystals and even inlaid with gold. Designs are usually custom, and there is a wide variety to choose from.
The bottles carry names such as the Black Queen or Sacrifice, and you can even purchase a bottle to match your star sign or birthstone. Fillico Jewelry water costs between $300 and $500 per liter, although rare bottles can go for much more on the resale market.
8. Evian Activate Movement x Virgil Abloh
Evian is a household name in the water industry, and even though they usually produce reasonably priced products that are popular on the commercial market, they also have Evian Activate Movement, a more high-end water. This collaboration project with the late DJ and designer Virgil Abloh focuses on sustainability and conservation, paired with design and a fashion perspective.
The glass bottles are sleek and designed by Virgil Abloh himself, making each one a work of art. The blue dots represent a ripple of water, creating a chain reaction of movement and sustainable action worldwide. There is also a matching refillable water bottle with a rubber grip that encourages customers to reuse and reduce waste.
This project was released in 2020 and the bottles are limited edition, available for $207 or more per liter.
9. Svalbarði Polar Iceberg Water
Svalbardi water is a unique and rare luxury bottled water sourced from the Svalbard fjords in Norway. It is known for its exceptional taste, purity, and high quality.
Svalbard is one of the most isolated and pristine environments on earth, where the air and water are among the cleanest in the world. The water is sourced from a glacier that is over 4,000 years old, and it is said to have a refreshing and crisp taste that is unlike any other.
The process of sourcing and bottling Svalbarði water is complex and delicate, with a focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. The water is carefully collected and bottled by hand in small batches to ensure its quality and purity. The bottles themselves are made from sustainable materials, and the company works with local communities to support conservation efforts in the region.
Svalbarði water has become a favorite among those who appreciate the finer things in life and are willing to pay a premium for quality and exclusivity. It is a true luxury item that embodies the spirit of adventure, exploration, and environmental responsibility.
Note that Svalbardi is no longer operating as a company. Their water cannot be purchased directly anymore and is only available in the resale market.
10. Uisge Source
Uisge Source describes itself as the water of Scotland and is designed to be combined with whiskey to perfectly balance and even reveal delicate flavors. A few drops of water can help open up the taste of a high-quality whiskey, but it can also do damage if the water isn’t up to par.
Uisge Source comes in several different varieties, such as Highland, Speyside, or Islay, designed to complement each of the different whiskies. This water is bottled by hand from a small selection of regional springs in northern Scotland and costs around $60 per liter.
11. ROI Water
ROI is a magnesium-rich bottled water from the Roitschocrene spring in Slovenia. Unlike many other waters on this list, it is not considered suitable to quench thirst and be consumed in large quantities. Instead, it’s more a type of health supplement that can potentially alleviate stress and muscle cramps, aid in weight loss, and is said to even help with concentration or work as a hangover cure.
ROI is the most magnesium-rich mineral water in the world and is marketed for its health benefits, mostly due to the important role that magnesium plays in the human nervous and muscle system.
ROI has a distinct taste, and a maximum amount of 0.5 liters per day is recommended, depending on body size. At $60 per liter, this water doesn’t come cheap, but its origins date back to the 16th century and is the subject of many legends, so it’s no surprise that its price point is so high.
12. Minus 181
Minus 181 is an artisanal water brand from Germany that gets its name from the 181-meter-deep water source discovered in 2011. The product is bottled directly at the well as part of a small production focusing on exceptional quality and minimizing waste. Minus 181 water gets its impeccable purity from being completely isolated from its surroundings and protected by two impenetrable layers of clay-rich soil for hundreds of years.
With a slightly alkaline pH level, this water is smooth, and the perfectly balanced mineral levels are meant to provide the ideal neutral palate cleanser when enjoying gourmet cuisine and specialties. This is all complemented by the high-end, sleek bottle that Minus 181 comes in, especially when paired with the matching water glasses that keep their contents cold for much longer.
13. Berg
Berg is a water brand from Newfoundland, Canada, and a 1-liter bottle goes for $31 per liter. It’s an iceberg water, which shouldn’t be confused with glacier water, a lower-quality version of this high-end product.
Glacier water is bottled after a glacier melts and the product comes in contact with soil, leading to possible contamination. In contrast, Berg water is harvested directly from icebergs, leading to exceptionally pure water that is low in minerals and was essentially untouched for thousands of years. This sets Berg apart in the luxury water market and makes it a truly unusual product.
What adds to its appeal even further is that iceberg water cannot be produced year-round due to the harsh weather conditions in the far north close to Greenland. This means that supply is limited and since the ice is harvested in very small quantities by hand, it’s difficult to purchase Berg water in large quantities. Berg also produces a variety of alcohol using its water, including beer and vodka.
14. BLVD Water
At $27 per liter, BLVD is an expensive water, but compared to the most luxurious brands on this list, it’s actually quite affordable. BLVD water is one of the Australian luxury goods names that come from the north coast of Tasmania, one of the most renowned destinations for high-quality springs. This is mostly due to its untouched nature and lush rainforest that perfectly filters this exceptionally clean and natural water.
It’s pumped to the surface from a depth of 20 meters and filtered through bluestone, which creates its signature taste. BLVD water is sparkling with low minerality but a slight hardness. The bottle is minimalist and designed to match high-end interior design and luxury architecture.
15. 10 Thousand BC
10 Thousand BC is one of the more affordable high-end bottled water brands, but at $14 per 750 ml bottle, this water still doesn’t come cheap.
Its contents come from the Hat Mountain Glacier in Canada, and the brand’s name refers not only to the age of the water trapped in the glacier but also to its origins in British Columbia. They claim that the water molecules of the glacier water are smaller and, therefore, easier to absorb, leading to faster and more efficient hydration.
16. Tasmanian Rain
At only around $7 per liter, Tasmanian Rain is not the most expensive water, but it’s still a high-end product.
Made from rain water that is collected in remote parts of Tasmania, this water is one of the purest in the world. This is largely attributed to the air currents, which take rain directly from Antarctica to Tasmania, leading to almost no air pollution and contaminants. The collection site in Tasmania is surrounded by rainforests, and the water is bottled onsite before it can even touch the ground.
LAST UPDATED ON:
04/19/2023
Don’t forget to pin this article if you found it helpful, and follow Dukes Avenue on Pinterest for more!
Victoria is a travel blogger and writer from Germany who loves to share her travel tips and advice. She‘s traveling the world full time but spends most of her time in Bali, Indonesia.
