A world-renowned water expert from Macclesfield is travelling to Athens for an award.

Doran Binder, who bottles spring water at source under the name Crag Spring Water in Wildboarclough, will travel to Greece this week at an industry awards ceremony.

It is there where his still and sparkling water bottles - or 'neron' as it is pronounced in Greece - will face off against 30 of the world's best natural waters.

On Wednesday, he will find out whether he has won a Fine Water Society Award, in a blind taste test that will be live-streamed on Facebook. 

Doran hopes to go one better than last year, where he won silver, but was unable to attend.

"It is like the Oscars for water", Doran said.

"It is the highest table in the world of water. And what is lovely is that as a Macclesfield company we are there at that table. 

"We picked up a Silver medal at the awards last year, and for me that is a massive achievement for little local Macclesfield business.

"We were the first to Britain to ever receive this accolade.

Crag Spring Water will be the only British water brand at the event. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"For someone to potentially give a gold to our brand is incredible. I would be shocked and humble and grateful, it would be a mind-blowing moment.

"I couldn't justify going to the awards last year as it was too far in Hollywood, but as this event is in Europe, it was a no-brainer."

The upcoming event will allow Doran meet many of the experts and influencers who have championed his water brand in-person for the first time.

But it is not all about winning for Doran, as he celebrates five-years of his mission to provide quality, natural water available to Macclesfield and the wider local area.

Crag will be judged in the 'Low Minerality' category. The water comes from Macclesfield's Shutlingsloe, running right under The Crag Inn where Doran lives and bottles the water on-site. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

Crag Spring Water is stocked in the finest of Michelin star resutaraunts, to your everyday friendly Macclesfield neighbourhood café.

The price is affordable, and you can get it delivered to your door like you would with ordering milk from a milkman.

These facts represents the ethos that Doran wants nutritious, quality water to be accessible to everyone.

"I'm in love with naturally-occurring water," added Doran.

The company prides itself on reusing glass bottles, to reduce their impact on the environment. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

"We've been dumbed down about the importance of water in this country,

"The elites are not drinking tap water. The elites have been drinking good water for hundreds of years. 

"But we're lead to believe that chlorinated tap water is just as good for us. It is patronising and wrong.

"I compare it to fuel for your car. If I said to you, I can get you fuel for your car that is 5p per litre but in five-years time your engine is knackered. Or I can get you a fuel that is slightly more expensive now, but will protect your car in the long-run, you'd go with the more premium one. That is how water is to the body.

As well as sales and social media growth, Doran has also seen the number of employees increase in the past year.

"You want your car to last you. You can change your car, but you can't change your body."

Alongside the number of accolades, Doran has also seen growth with his new TikTok account @beardedwatersommelier. So much so, that he even gets recognised training at his gym in Macclesfield.

As well as selling bottles to every other venue in Macclesfield, you can also visit where the water comes from and try some of Earth's most wackiest waters. (When Doran gets back from his Athenian adventure, of course).

A perfect family day out, or a nutritious pit stop if going on a countryside walk. The Crag Inn's water tasting experience can be booked in advance, or paid for by walk-ins.

Crag Spring Water also features in a recent connoisseurs guide to 'premium waters'. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

The Crag Inn and their Water Tasting bar is open from Monday to Friday 11-4, and Saturday to Sunday 12-4.

You can book the affordable half-hour and hour-long water tasing sessions on 01260 227239.

You can follow Crag Spring Water on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Order enquiries can be submitted through their website.

Venues that stock Crag in Macclesfield include La Popote and The Picturedrome. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)

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