Key Takeaways
- • Bill Ackman recounted on the Equity Mates Investing podcast, released October 28, that Warren Buffett told him he had not drunk plain water in 48 years, according to Ackman's account.
- • Ackman said he offered Buffett still or sparkling water at a private dinner several years ago, but Buffett declined and asked for Cherry Coke instead.
- • The anecdote is Ackman's own recollection; he did not specify when the dinner took place, and it does not independently verify Buffett's drinking habits.
- • The remark revives attention on Buffett's documented preference for Coca-Cola, which he said in a 2015 Fortune interview accounted for about a quarter of his daily 2,700-calorie intake.
Summary
Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has recalled an unusual exchange with billionaire investor Warren Buffett, who reportedly told him he had not drunk plain water in 48 years. Speaking on the Equity Mates Investing podcast, released on October 28, Ackman described hosting Buffett for dinner several years ago.
According to Ackman, he offered Buffett still or sparkling water, knowing his guest's preferences and having stocked up on Cherry Coke. Buffett declined the water and asked for a Coke. When Ackman pressed, asking whether Buffett drank water at all, Buffett replied: "Bill, I haven't had water in 48 years," per Ackman's account.
The anecdote draws on Buffett's well-known taste for sugary soft drinks. In a 2015 interview with Fortune magazine, Buffett said that roughly a quarter of his daily intake of 2,700 calories came from Coca-Cola, adding that he drank at least five 12-ounce servings, typically three during the day and two at night.
The account rests entirely on Ackman's recollection of a private conversation. Ackman did not specify when the dinner occurred, and the story does not independently establish Buffett's drinking habits over the past 48 years.
According to Ackman, he offered Buffett still or sparkling water, knowing his guest's preferences and having stocked up on Cherry Coke. Buffett declined the water and asked for a Coke. When Ackman pressed, asking whether Buffett drank water at all, Buffett replied: "Bill, I haven't had water in 48 years," per Ackman's account.
The anecdote draws on Buffett's well-known taste for sugary soft drinks. In a 2015 interview with Fortune magazine, Buffett said that roughly a quarter of his daily intake of 2,700 calories came from Coca-Cola, adding that he drank at least five 12-ounce servings, typically three during the day and two at night.
The account rests entirely on Ackman's recollection of a private conversation. Ackman did not specify when the dinner occurred, and the story does not independently establish Buffett's drinking habits over the past 48 years.
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