I was completely unprepared for what lay ahead when I received an invitation from Garfield Kerr, the CEO of Mokha 1450 Luxury Specialty Coffee and the President of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) UAE chapter, to serve as a judge at the semi-finals of the UAE AeroPress Championships taking place in Dubai on 7 November 2025.
Nonetheless, stepping into the venue, I was welcomed by the sounds of music from a live DJ, enthusiastic cheers, and a bustling crowd from the UAE coffee community.
My initial thought;
“What am I doing here, and am I truly capable of judging such talent?”
Enter…. Imposter syndrome.
Sure, I’ve been involved in coffee writing for over 18 years, encountered numerous experts like James Hoffman and Maxwell Colonna Smalls, received invitations to various events, participated in many coffee conferences, operated my own coffee shop for three years, sampled coffee from nearly every corner of the globe, and obtained a SCA Sensory Skills certificate. The resume goes on.
So, I felt fortunate to spot my close coffee friend, Naveed of The Need For Coffee, allowing me to converse, unwind, and absorb the atmosphere.
This helped ease my nerves, and as I strolled around the venue observing the other judges score the prequalifying rounds, my confidence began to build, internally affirming myself (not vocally) “yes, I can handle this.”
After around two hours, it was finally my moment alongside my two fellow judges, one a woman from Brazil with over ten years in coffee, and an Emirati woman who imports Yemeni coffee.
In brief, we were instructed not to see the contestants, seated with our backs to them, likely to avoid bias in our evaluations or being swayed by their methods.
Here we go…
On tasting three cups of coffee, we were directed to indicate the one we believed to be the best, with a consensus of 2 out of 3 judges determining the winner, identified only by a colour that was unknown to us.
Initially, the other two judges picked a cup that I did not. My thought was “oh dear.”
However, for the following cups, you’ll be pleased to hear I consistently chose the winner.
The high point for me was when one of the cups presented an unmistakable taste of…
Coconut.
Amazing!
I was eager to discover the methodology used by that barista because all the coffees were identical for every contestant.
I undoubtedly selected that cup, and my fellow judges did too – a unanimous choice.
And suddenly, it was all done.
I hope to receive another invitation, and I am thankful to Garfield and his team at Mokha 1450 for organizing the event.
The fantastic photos were captured by none other than Naveed.
**Title: Behind the Scenes: Serving as a Judge at the UAE AeroPress Championship**
The UAE AeroPress Championship showcases a dynamic celebration of coffee culture, uniting baristas, coffee enthusiasts, and industry experts from across the region. As a judge at this esteemed event, you hold a vital role in determining which competitor best embodies the craft and science of brewing with the AeroPress. Here’s an insider perspective on what it takes to serve as a judge at the UAE AeroPress Championship.
**Understanding the AeroPress Phenomenon**
The AeroPress, created by Alan Adler in 2005, has captured a devoted following for its flexibility and capacity to create a clean, flavorful cup of coffee. The UAE AeroPress Championship is part of a worldwide series of contests where participants demonstrate their distinctive brewing methods, seeking to impress both judges and onlookers with their creativity and precision.
**The Role of a Judge**
Judging at the AeroPress Championship involves much more than simply tasting coffee. Judges must evaluate each brew according to specific criteria, such as taste, aroma, balance, and overall impression. This responsibility demands a discerning palate, a comprehension of coffee extraction, and the ability to remain unbiased while reviewing each competitor’s brew.
**Preparation and Calibration**
Prior to the competition commencing, judges experience a calibration session to synchronize their taste preferences and guarantee uniformity in scoring. This session entails tasting several coffee samples to discuss flavor profiles and settle on scoring standards. Calibration is crucial for ensuring fairness and impartiality throughout the contest.
**The Judging Process**
During the event, judges receive anonymous samples of coffee brewed by each contestant. The judging process is typically conducted blind, meaning judges are unaware of which competitor brewed each coffee. This guarantees that each brew is assessed solely on its individual qualities.
Judges evaluate the coffee based on:
– **Aroma:** The initial scent of the coffee, providing the first impression of the brew.
– **Flavor:** The complete taste experience, encompassing sweetness, acidity, and bitterness.
– **Aftertaste:** The lingering flavors that persist after swallowing.
– **Balance:** The equilibrium between various flavor components.
– **Overall Impression:** The judge’s personal enjoyment and the coffee’s distinctiveness.
**Challenges and Rewards**
Judging at the UAE AeroPress Championship presents challenges due to the variety of brewing techniques and the subtle nuances in flavor profiles. Nonetheless, it is equally rewarding. Judges have the chance to engage with dedicated coffee professionals, learn about innovative brewing methods, and contribute to the advancement of the specialty coffee community.
**Conclusion**
Serving as a judge at the UAE AeroPress Championship offers a unique experience that intertwines sensory evaluation with a profound appreciation for coffee craftsmanship. It requires commitment, expertise, and an open mindset to appreciate the diverse interpretations of coffee presented by skilled competitors. As a judge, you play an essential role in honoring the art of coffee and inspiring the following generation of coffee enthusiasts.
