When I received an invitation from Garfield Kerr, the CEO of Mokha 1450 Luxury Specialty Coffee and President of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) UAE chapter, to judge the semi-finals of the UAE AeroPress Championships on 7 November 2025 in Dubai, I was uncertain about what to anticipate.
Yet, stepping into the venue, I was welcomed by a lively atmosphere filled with music, a live DJ, enthusiastic cheers, and a bustling crowd from the UAE coffee scene.
My immediate thought;
“What am I doing here, and am I capable of judging such remarkable talent?”
Here comes… Imposter syndrome.
I may have spent over 18 years writing about coffee, met numerous experts including James Hoffman and Maxwell Colonna Smalls, been invited to various events, attended several coffee conferences, operated my own coffee shop for three years, tasted beans from nearly every corner of the globe, and obtained a SCA Sensory Skills certificate, but the self-doubt lingered.
Fortunately, I spotted my top coffee companion, Naveed of The Need For Coffee, allowing me to engage in conversation, unwind, and absorb the lively environment.
This comfort helped me to ease into the event, and as I strolled around observing other judges during the prequalifying rounds, I gradually regained my confidence, internally assuring myself, “yes, I can do this.”
After about two hours, it was my turn alongside two other judges: a woman from Brazil with over ten years in the coffee industry and an Emirati lady who imports Yemeni coffee.
To summarize, we were kept from seeing the contestants, seated with our backs towards them, likely to prevent any bias in our judgments or being influenced by the techniques used.
So, let’s get started…
After tasting three cups of coffee, we were instructed to indicate which one we felt was best, and if two out of the three judges picked the same cup, that barista, identified only by a color, would emerge as the winner.
Initially, the other two judges selected a cup that I did not, leading me to think, “oh dear.”
However, I am pleased to report that for the subsequent cups, I consistently picked the winner.
A standout moment for me was when one of the cups possessed a unique flavor of guess…
Coconut.
Incredible!
I was eager to learn what method that barista employed, considering all the coffees were the same for all participants.
I certainly chose that cup, and so did the other two judges – a unanimous decision.
Before I knew it, the event had concluded.
I hope to receive another invitation, and I am thankful to Garfield and his team at Mokha 1450 for organizing this amazing event.
The fantastic images were captured by none other than Naveed.
**Judging Experience at the UAE AeroPress Championship**
The UAE AeroPress Championship is an exhilarating event that unites coffee lovers, baristas, and industry experts from around the region. Serving as a judge in this distinguished competition entails the important responsibility of assessing the skills and creativity of the contestants competing for the title of AeroPress Champion. This article explores the judging experience, emphasizing the criteria, challenges, and distinctive elements of this thrilling occasion.
**Understanding the AeroPress Championship**
The AeroPress Championship is a worldwide contest that honors the inventive use of the AeroPress coffee maker. Contestants face the challenge of brewing the finest cup of coffee using this adaptable device, with the liberty to explore various techniques, coffee types, and brewing settings. The UAE iteration of the championship draws a varied array of entrants, each contributing their individual style and enthusiasm for coffee.
**Judging Criteria**
Judges at the UAE AeroPress Championship assess entries based on three key criteria: taste, creativity, and presentation.
1. **Taste**: This is the paramount factor, as the primary aim is to produce a delightful cup of coffee. Judges evaluate the balance, clarity, sweetness, acidity, and overall flavor profile of each brew. An excellently crafted cup should exhibit a harmonious combination of these components, highlighting the coffee’s innate characteristics.
2. **Creativity**: Participants are encouraged to stretch the limits and experiment with their brewing methods. Judges seek innovative strategies that reflect a thorough understanding of AeroPress and coffee extraction. Creativity might emerge from the selection of coffee beans, grind size, water temperature, or even the brewing technique itself.
3. **Presentation**: While taste is crucial, presentation also influences the judging process. Contestants are expected to serve their coffee in a polished and attractive manner, showcasing their attention to detail and respect for the craft.
**The Judging Process**
The judging process is both demanding and fulfilling. Judges are usually seasoned coffee professionals, including baristas, roasters, and coffee educators. They participate in a calibration session prior to the competition to ensure uniformity in scoring and to align their taste preferences.
During the event, judges sample each entry blindly, meaning they remain unaware of the competitor’s identity. This promotes fairness and keeps the assessment focused purely on the coffee’s quality. After sampling, judges discuss and score each entry according to the predetermined criteria.
**Challenges Faced by Judges**
Judging the AeroPress Championship poses numerous challenges. The variety of brewing methods and flavor profiles can complicate direct comparisons among entries. Judges need to stay open-minded and flexible, appreciating the subtleties of each cup while adhering to their scoring frameworks.
Furthermore, palate fatigue can arise, particularly in the later rounds of the competition. Judges are required to pace themselves and cleanse their palates frequently to maintain precision in their evaluations.
**The Unique Atmosphere**
The UAE AeroPress Championship goes beyond being merely a competition; it celebrates the coffee culture. The event nurtures a sense of community and camaraderie among participants, judges, and spectators. The vibrant atmosphere, accompanied by cheering crowds and spirited commentary, enhances the excitement and energy of the day.
For judges, participating in this event is a distinctive opportunity to engage with the coffee community, uncover new talent, and contribute to the advancement of specialty coffee in the region. It allows them to witness firsthand the passion and commitment competitors invest in their craft, making the judging experience both inspirational and rewarding.
In summary, judging at the UAE AeroPress Championship is a challenging yet satisfying experience that demands a refined palate, open-mindedness, and genuine enthusiasm for coffee. It is an occasion to celebrate innovation, skill, and the rich coffee culture that flourishes in the UAE.
