When Garfield Kerr, the CEO of Mokha 1450 Luxury Specialty Coffee and the President of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) UAE chapter, invited me to be a judge at the semi-finals of the UAE AeroPress Championships taking place in Dubai on 7 November 2025, I was uncertain about what to anticipate.
Yet, stepping into the venue, I was welcomed by a lively atmosphere filled with music from a live DJ, exuberant cheering, and numerous individuals from the UAE coffee community.
My initial thought;
“What am I doing here, and am I really capable of judging such talent?”
Enter…. Imposter syndrome.
Indeed, I’ve been immersed in writing about coffee for over 18 years, met numerous experts like James Hoffman and Maxwell Colonna Smalls, received invitations to various events, participated in several coffee conferences, operated my own coffee shop for three years, sampled coffee from nearly every region worldwide, and obtained a SCA Sensory Skills certificate. The list continues.
So, I felt fortunate when I spotted my top coffee buddy, Naveed from The Need For Coffee, allowing me to chat, unwind, and absorb the ambiance.
This allowed me to relax, and while I wandered around the venue observing other judges as they evaluated the prequalifying rounds, I started to regain my confidence, quietly affirming to myself, “Yes, I can handle this.”
After approximately two hours, it was my turn alongside my fellow judges, one a woman from Brazil with over 10 years in the coffee industry and an Emirati lady who imports Yemeni coffee.
To summarize, we were not permitted to see the contestants, so we were seated with our backs to them, likely to avoid bias in our evaluations.
So, here we go…
After tasting three cups of coffee, we were instructed to point to the one we believed was the best. If two out of the three judges selected a cup, that barista, only identified by a color unknown to us, was declared the winner.
In the first round, the other two judges chose a cup I did not. My reaction was, “Oh dear.”
However, I’m pleased to report that for the remaining cups, I consistently selected the winner.
A standout moment for me was when one of the cups featured a distinct flavor of guess…
Coconut.
Incredible!
I remained curious about the methodology that barista employed since all the coffees were identical for every contestant.
I undoubtedly picked that cup, and my two fellow judges did as well – a unanimous decision.
And just like that, it was all over.
I hope for another invitation, and I am thankful to Garfield and his team at Mokha 1450 for organizing the event.
All the great photos were captured by none other than Naveed.
Title: Serving as a Judge at the UAE AeroPress Championship: A Unique Experience
The UAE AeroPress Championship captures the essence of coffee culture, uniting baristas, coffee lovers, and industry experts from across the region. As a judge at this esteemed event, one is assigned the essential duty of assessing the skill, creativity, and precision of the participants. This article explores the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of judging at the UAE AeroPress Championship.
**Understanding the AeroPress Championship**
The AeroPress Championship is a worldwide competition showcasing the versatility and creativity in coffee brewing using the AeroPress device. Contestants must craft the finest cup of coffee utilizing this unique brewing method, and they are judged on aspects such as taste, aroma, and overall presentation.
**The Role of a Judge**
Judging at the UAE AeroPress Championship demands a profound understanding of coffee along with a refined sense of taste and aroma. Judges are generally seasoned baristas, coffee roasters, or industry specialists who possess a discerning palate and an appreciation for the complexities of coffee brewing.
**Preparation and Training**
Prior to the competition, judges partake in comprehensive training to assure consistency and fairness in their evaluations. This training encompasses calibration sessions where judges taste and score sample brews to harmonize their palates and establish a standard for judging. Grasping the scoring system and criteria is vital, as judges must distinguish among subtle flavor profiles and brewing methodologies.
**Judging Criteria**
The main criteria for evaluation encompass:
1. **Taste**: The foremost element, judges analyze the balance, sweetness, acidity, and aftertaste of the coffee.
2. **Aroma**: The scent of the coffee is assessed before and after brewing.
3. **Creativity**: Judges value innovative methods of brewing and presentation.
4. **Consistency**: The capacity to reproduce a high-quality brew consistently is greatly esteemed.
**The Judging Process**
During the competition, judges sample several rounds of coffee, often in a blind tasting format to ensure neutrality. Each brew is rated according to the established criteria, and judges must provide constructive feedback to the participants. This process necessitates focus and an open mindset, as judges are exposed to a vast array of flavors and techniques.
**Challenges Faced**
One significant challenge is maintaining objectivity and consistency throughout the competition. With numerous entries to assess, judges must stay alert and avoid palate fatigue. Furthermore, the pressure to make quick yet accurate judgments can be substantial, compelling judges to depend on their training and experience.
**The Rewards of Judging**
Participating as a judge at the UAE AeroPress Championship is a fulfilling experience that provides a unique perspective on the ingenuity and passion of the coffee community. Judges have the chance to engage with gifted baristas, learn about emerging trends, and contribute to the advancement of the specialty coffee movement in the UAE.
**Conclusion**
Being a judge at the UAE AeroPress Championship is both an honor and a duty. It requires a combination of expertise, commitment, and enthusiasm for coffee. For those fervent about the art of brewing, this role presents an unparalleled opportunity to witness innovation and excellence in the realm of coffee.
