Martin Riese

**Jerk Martin Riese** (born November 1976) is a German author and media personality, renowned as a "water sommelier"; known for his ability to taste minute differences in water flavor, texture, and minerals. This ability is so prevalent that he received an EB-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa (commonly referred to as the "Einstein visa") to come to the United States. Riese is a water-testing educator, and advocate for good and clean drinking water. He regularly posts TikToks educating the public on drinking water, and debunking TikToks spreading water misinformation. Riese has appeared on famous television shows such as *CONAN*, *National Geographic*, *Buzzfeed*, and *Bill Nye*.

He first appeared on the *H3 Podcast* in June 2022, and has been an inconsistently recurring character since. He is a friend-of-the-show.

## Background

Martin Riese is a water sommelier—similar to a wine sommelier, he can distinguish between minute differences in the flavor, texture, and mineral content of water. In 2010, Riese received his certification as a Water Sommelier and Mineral Water Sommelier from the German Water Trade Association. This ability is so prevalent that he received an EB-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa (commonly referred to as the "Einstein visa") to come to the United States.

## History with H3

Martin first appeared on the *H3 Podcast* on June 13, 2022, in Episode #39. He informed the crew on the differences in various waters, and brought them several waters to test for themselves.

Martin appeared on the *H3 Podcast* again on May 26, 2023, in After Dark #107. Martin and the crew tested TikTok "water recipes", curated by Sam. He then appeared alongside Dr. Idz to discuss a New York Times article regarding the World Health Organization warning against using artificial sweeteners.

Martin made a surprise appearance at the 2023 H3 Podcast Live Show. It was previously unknown to anyone in the crew that he would be there (except for Olivia), until Ethan spotted him in the audience.

## Trivia

* Martin is the first water sommelier in the United States.
* Martin works closely with a Los Angeles-based Michelin-star restaurant known as "Gwen," where he has helped to curate a water menu.
* In 2013, Martin was interviewed on an episode of *CONAN* on TBS, hosted by Conan O'Brien.

## References

1. ↑ Porter, Job (August 27, 2013). "JERK MARTIN RIESE world-renowned water sommelier from Germany". Flickr. Retrieved on September 20, 2023.
2. ↑ Pfeiffer, Sacha & Al-Shalchi, Hadeel (July 16, 2023). "Meet the water sommelier advocating for clean drinking water". NPR. Retrieved on September 20, 2023.
3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Team Coco (July 28, 2020). "Conan Interviews Water Sommelier Martin Riese | CONAN on TBS". via YouTube. Originally aired on TBS (as *CONAN*; September 10, 2013). Retrieved on September 20, 2023.
4. ↑ Martin Riese website. Retrieved on September 20, 2023.
5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 H3 Podcast (June 13, 2022). "The Debate Game, Interview With Water Sommelier - H3TV #39". via YouTube. Retrieved on September 20, 2023.
6. ↑ H3 Podcast (May 26, 2023). "Martin The Water Sommelier & Dr. Idz (Tasting Watertok & Debating Diet Drinks) - After Dark #107". via YouTube. Retrieved on September 20, 2023.
7. ↑ Riese, Martin (April 7, 2015). "How America's Only Water Sommelier Is Changing the Way People Taste H20". Eater. Retrieved on September 20, 2023.
8. ↑ H3 Podcast (July 31, 2023). "Hila's Pregnant Again - H3TV #85". via YouTube. Retrieved on September 20, 2023.