SPRING WATER FAMED FOR 300 YEARS "IN THE MINERAL WATERS of Caledon, Southern Africa possesses a treasure which can scarcely be overrated… Like Champagne, this water sparkles in the eye. It is perfectly odourless and its unusual, ‘chalybeate’ taste soon becomes pleasing to the palate…" Written at the turn of the century, this was not a piece of advertising copy but the testimonial of a doctor. In the days when “taking the waters” was fashionable in Europe and a visit to Baden-Baden was a highlight of the social season – whether the visitor had gout, rheumatism or whatever – the Cape of Good Hope had its own celebrated health spa near the hamlet of Caledon. Its prospectus spoke glowingly of the almost miraculous cures effected by the waters of Caledon, which became billed as "Southern Africa’s foremost spa". The spring was in fact renowned far earlier than this – 300 years ago, when distinguished visitors and travellers to the Cape would stop off at Caledon to wallow in its natural, warm spring waters. Today these waters – bottled and marketed as Caledon Natural Spring Water – bring pleasure to thousands of consumers at home and overseas. MATCHING THE WORLD'S FINEST WATERS AS LONG AGO as 1893, samples of Caledon’s famous spring water were submitted to the greatest exhibition of the time, the Chicago World Fair, where the water was awarded first prize for its medicinal and curative properties against the world’s top mineral waters. With its mineral content and virtues thus acclaimed, it is surprising that Caledon water did not immediately find its way into the market place of Southern Africa and the world. This was not to happen for another 87 years, when steps were taken to bottle the water commercially – absolutely pure and in its natural state. THE IDEAL ACCOMPANIMENT TO GOOD LIVING CALEDON’S natural spring water is 100% pure, cleansing and an excellent mixer – a natural accompaniment to good living. Quite apart from its therapeutic reputation due to its rich mineral content, Caledon Water is a truly refreshing drink in its own right – slightly chilled – or as a mixer with spirits, wines, cordials, squashes and fruit juices. Lightly carbonated, it appeals strongly to spirit drinkers who find soda water too fizzy and ordinary tap water too dull. For wine lovers, it is a particularly recommended as a palate cleanser when switching from one wine to another or from white to red wines. As a nightcap, Caledon Water is pleasantly relaxing, while as a wake-up drink it is restorative and invigorating, particularly for those who may have over-indulged the night before. Even Children find Caledon water an ideal refresher on a warm day – often in preference to many other soft drinks because of its lower carbonation. Older folk and convalescents are discovering it to be restorative and invigorating – a very satisfying pick-me-up when tiredness takes over. All in all, Caledon water is becoming a good friend to most families. But probably the best testimonial to Caledon water comes from those who have known and enjoyed the waters over the centuries – the people of Caledon itself. It is said they never grow old! Caledon Spring Water is captured as it gushes out of the spring at nearly 90°C. The water is finely filtered and bottled – some of it being lightly carbonated to give it extra sparkle and some of it in the “still” form. The spring is located in the pristine mountains of Caledon, in the Western Cape.