We Tried Maison Perrier's Flavored Sparkling Water, And The Subtle Seltzers Are High On Aesthetics

You can enhance everyday water with fresh ingredients like a splash of lemon juice or a cucumber, but there's nothing like the crisp, bubbly taste of sparkling water on a hot day to invigorate and energize without the need for sugar or caffeine. Typically, the essences that give seltzer its flavor are naturally derived, so we can feel good about enjoying this tingly treat. Sparkling water also acts as the perfect soda alternative for poolside cocktails, helping add a little hydration to a boozy refresher — what's not to love?

Fans of artisanal water know and love Perrier, and Maison Perrier is an offshoot of the iconic brand. As a self-proclaimed seltzer aficionado, I've used my (oddly specific) experience and knowledge to sip, study, and scrutinize the new Maison Perrier lineup of fancy sparkling water. These Maison Perrier products include flavored and unflavored sparkling waters known as Forever and Ultimate, respectively. 

Here, I'll showcase both varieties of Maison Perrier to determine if this new product lives up to the hype. I'll also compare Maison Perrier to another leading sparkling water brand, so you can discern whether or not this new line of beverages is worth adding to your repertoire of refreshments.

Some recommendations are based on firsthand impressions of promotional materials and products provided by the manufacturer.

This refined beverage, with its air of exclusivity, might give an initial impression of being attainable only at the most chic French bistros. However, you need not dine on a terrace overlooking the Seine to secure a bottle or can. Maison Perrier graces the shelves of quite a few major retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online, such as Target, Sam's Club, and Amazon. It's worth noting that prices may vary between physical outlets and online stores.

If you prefer to venture beyond the superstores, you'll discover Maison Perrier in unexpected places. I was pleasantly surprised to find select varieties at my local grocery store, Acme. Maison Perrier is also conveniently available at Kroger. Alas, those who prefer to purchase directly from the source will be displeased to learn that the Maison Perrier product line is not available for direct purchase on the company's website. 

First, I tried Maison Perrier's grapefruit-flavored sparkling water. After cracking open the can, I immediately noticed a wave of fresh grapefruit scent. Grapefruit happens to be my favorite seltzer flavor, so I've indulged in a fair share of this citrusy drink spanning multiple brands, and most don't smell (or taste) quite like the real deal. The aroma of this Maison Perrier version reminded me of pressing grapefruits to make homemade juice, so I was ready for some authentic flavor.

I was surprised to find that the grapefruit taste in Maison Perrier's seltzer wasn't bitter at all. The flavor was more pronounced than I imagined — sour and sweet, as opposed to a typical bitter grapefruit flavor. I thought this drink's essence was more reminiscent of pomelo rather than grapefruit. 

In true Perrier fashion, the bubbles are tiny but plentiful, and leave a delightful tingly aftertaste on the palate. Overall, I appreciated the drink's aroma more than its taste, which was refreshing and delicious, but not quite as grapefruit-like as I had hoped for.

The blackberry variant from Maison Perrier's Forever line caught me off guard, standing out as the most surprising among the brand's flavored offerings. Initially, I anticipated a subtly tart undertone with a delicate burst of vibrant berry essence. However, compared to the understated profiles of the preceding two varieties, the blackberry-infused sparkling water offered an unexpected twist.

This blackberry flavor is by far the most nuanced of the Forever sparkling waters. I detected notes of super sweet and creamy vanilla immediately, especially in the drink's aromas. I'd go as far to say that the drink smells more like vanilla than berry. The taste finishes off with a rich and luscious berry flavor, which is deeply sweet and far less tart than I expected. 

Although blackberries are known for their sweetness and lack of sour flavor compared to most berries, I still anticipated a typical tart berry essence to accompany a blackberry-forward flavor. With a splash of vodka, this drink would make an excellent, simple, yet elevated mixed drink to enjoy by the beach or at the pool. 

Lastly, I cracked open a Maison Perrier Ultimate — the brand's unflavored sparkling water variety. I expected a sharp burst of bubbly effervescence and a pure, fresh taste. I was surprised by its subdued bubbles, although they still retained the classic Perrier ultra-tingly character. Considering that this drink is far less aggressively bubbly than many competing brands, mixing this unflavored sparkling water with any fruit juice or liquor would yield a flat beverage. This drink is best enjoyed all on its own.

While savoring the tingly sensation left on my palate after the first sip, I found that this beverage had a slightly earthy and almost metallic aftertaste, not unlike Perrier's original mineral water. I chalked up this interesting but far from unpleasant taste to the presence of natural electrolytes. Unfortunately for those not inclined to chug their beverages, this sparkling water flattened out on me in only about 20 minutes, so be sure to gulp it down before the effervescence fades out of existence.

Although Perrier feels like the caviar of carbonated water, it comes at a surprisingly average price, and this affordability extends to Maison Perrier. The flavors are crisp and tasty, albeit subtle, and the unflavored Ultimate variety tastes similar to mineral water, despite nutritional differences with sparkling water. If, however, you're on the hunt for sparkling water to mix with fruit juice, I'd suggest looking elsewhere. Maison Perrier beverages are apparently intended to be consumed on their own, with the exception of maybe adding a splash of liquor for a quick and easy mixed drink.

Ultimately, the best reason to invest in a case of Maison Perrier is to elevate a party — especially a barbecue or dinner party. The cans are aesthetically pleasing and comfortable to hold, and the Perrier name always comes with an air of sophistication. Serving Maison Perrier alongside a home-cooked meal or keeping it on ice for guests to enjoy adds a touch of elegance to your gathering without breaking the bank. 

This aspect alone makes Maison Perrier a worthwhile buy, especially when compared to other premium sparkling water brands that may pack a punch of flavor, but lack in the style department. If aesthetic appeal and making an impression while hosting a party couldn't mean less to you, you're better off choosing a slightly cheaper sparkling water for a little extra flavor and none of the pizzazz.