About Third Wave Water: Perfecting the Science of Coffee Water

Welcome to Third Wave Water, the industry leader in optimized coffee-brewing water solutions. We create patent-pending mineral supplements designed to transform standard distilled or reverse osmosis water into the perfect brewing profile for your coffee. Our mission is to eliminate the biggest variable in home brewing—water quality—allowing specialty coffee lovers, home baristas, and coffee shops worldwide to unlock the true flavor potential of every bean.

Our Story: From a Casual Lunch to Shark Tank

Third Wave Water was founded in 2016 by two coffee industry entrepreneurs, Taylor Minor (founder of Telemetry Coffee Roasters) and Charles Nick (founder of The Wright Cup). Over lunch, the duo discussed a persistent frustration shared by roasters globally: customers were buying premium, expertly roasted beans but brewing them at home with poor tap water, resulting in flat, bitter, or hollow-tasting cups.

Taylor joked about creating "dehydrated water" to solve the problem. That joke quickly evolved into a dedicated laboratory project. After perfecting the mineral ratios to meet the strict standards of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), they launched a highly successful Kickstarter campaign. Shortly after, Third Wave Water gained national prominence with a memorable appearance on ABC's Shark Tank, solidifying its place as a groundbreaking innovation in the global specialty coffee community.

Why Water Matters: The 98% Rule

A standard cup of coffee is roughly 98% water. If your water contains the wrong balance of minerals, heavy metals, or chlorine, even the most expensive coffee beans and precise brewing techniques cannot save the final flavor.

• The Problem with Tap Water: Standard tap water varies wildly by region and often contains high amounts of bicarbonates and iron that mask delicate coffee notes or cause scale buildup inside brewing equipment.

• The Problem with Pure Water: Completely empty water, such as distilled or reverse osmosis (RO) water, lacks the essential minerals required to extract the flavorful oils and sugars from coffee grounds, leaving you with a sour, under-extracted brew.

• The Third Wave Solution: By adding one of our precisely measured mineral capsules to an empty gallon of water, you achieve the exact chemical balance needed to optimize extraction, enhance sweetness, and bring out the distinct tasting notes intended by the roaster.

The Third Wave Water Lineup

We formulate specialized mineral profiles tailored to your specific brewing methods and equipment:

Classic Profile

Engineered for drip brewers, pour-overs, French presses, and AeroPress systems. This signature blend uses an optimized ratio of calcium, magnesium, and sodium to elevate brightness, highlight fruit and floral complexities, and balance acidity.

Espresso Profile

Specifically formulated to protect your high-end espresso machines. In addition to optimizing extraction for richer crema and smoother shots, this blend contains a precise protective profile that prevents harmful scale buildup inside your machine's boilers and heating elements.

Trusted by Champions, Built for Home Brewers

Today, Third Wave Water is used by World Brewers Cup competitors, award-winning baristas, and thousands of daily coffee enthusiasts in dozens of countries. We take the guesswork out of water chemistry, ensuring that your morning cup tastes exactly as the roaster intended, no matter where you live.

Discover the hidden potential of your favorite coffee beans. Elevate your daily ritual with Third Wave Water.