I was uncertain about what to anticipate 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 serve as a judge at the semi-finals of the UAE AeroPress Championships taking place in Dubai on 7 November 2025.
As I entered the venue, I was welcomed by an energetic atmosphere filled with music from a live DJ, enthusiastic cheers, and a bustling crowd from the UAE coffee community.
My initial thought;
“What am I doing here? Can I truly judge such extraordinary talent?”
Enter…. Imposter syndrome.
Indeed, I’ve been writing about coffee for more than 18 years, met numerous experts like James Hoffman and Maxwell Colonna Smalls, been invited to a variety of events, attended several coffee conferences, operated my own coffee shop for three years, sampled coffee from almost every corner of the globe, and received a SCA Sensory Skills certificate. The list is extensive.
So, I felt fortunate when I spotted my top coffee buddy, Naveed from The Need For Coffee, allowing me to chat, unwind, and enjoy the ambiance.
This allowed me to feel more at ease, and while strolling around the venue watching the other judges evaluate the preliminary rounds, I started to gather my composure, silently telling myself “yes, I can do this.”
After approximately two hours, it was my turn alongside two other judges, one being a lady from Brazil with over a decade of coffee experience and an Emirati woman who imports Yemeni coffee.
In brief, we were not permitted to see the contestants, so we were seated with our backs to them to prevent bias in our judgement or being influenced by their methodology.
And so it began…
Upon tasting three cups of coffee, we were instructed to indicate the one we deemed the best, and if two out of the three judges selected a cup, that barista, identified solely by a color, unknown to us, would be declared the winner.
On the first attempt, the other two judges chose a cup that I did not. My thought was “oh dear.”
However, for the remaining cups, I am pleased to report that I consistently selected the winner.
The most memorable moment for me was when one of the cups had a distinct taste of….
Coconut.
Incredible!
I was eager to discover the methodology that barista employed since all coffees were identical for all competitors.
I certainly picked that cup, and my fellow judges did too – it was a unanimous decision.
And before I knew it, it was all over.
I hope to receive another invitation, and I’m thankful to Garfield and his team at Mokha 1450 for organizing the event.
The fantastic pictures were taken by none other than Naveed.
**Judging Experience at the UAE AeroPress Championship**
The UAE AeroPress Championship is a prominent event within the coffee community, uniting baristas, coffee aficionados, and industry experts to display their brewing skills with the AeroPress. As a judge at this esteemed event, one has the essential responsibility of assessing the competitors’ brews based on specific standards, ensuring that the finest coffee is chosen as the winner.
**Judging Criteria**
The judging process in the UAE AeroPress Championship is thorough, concentrating on three main criteria: taste, balance, and clarity. Judges are trained to discern the intricate flavors in each cup, evaluating sweetness, acidity, and bitterness. Balance refers to how well these components work together, while clarity relates to the purity and distinctiveness of the flavors.
**The Judging Panel**
The judging panel is typically composed of experienced coffee professionals, such as baristas, roasters, and coffee educators, who bring substantial expertise and a refined palate to the evaluation process. Their proficiency is vital in differentiating the subtle variances between each competitor’s brew.
**The Tasting Process**
Judges receive anonymized coffee cups to ensure impartial assessment. Each cup is tasted multiple times, allowing judges to fully appreciate the aroma, flavor profile, and aftertaste. The procedure is both scientific and sensory, requiring judges to rely on their training and intuition.
**Challenges Faced by Judges**
One significant challenge for judges is maintaining consistency throughout the competition. With many cups to taste, palate fatigue may set in, necessitating judges to pace themselves and cleanse their palates frequently. Moreover, the subjective nature of taste means judges must continuously align their evaluations with fellow judges to maintain fairness.
**The Role of Calibration**
Before the competition commences, judges engage in a calibration session to harmonize their flavor perceptions and scoring methods. This stage is crucial in establishing a unified standard and minimizing discrepancies in judgement.
**Impact on the Coffee Community**
The UAE AeroPress Championship not only emphasizes the skills of individual baristas but also cultivates a sense of community and innovation within the coffee industry. Judges play a key role in this ecosystem by identifying and rewarding excellence, thus promoting ongoing enhancement and creativity among competitors.
**Conclusion**
Judging at the UAE AeroPress Championship is a challenging yet fulfilling experience. It demands a deep understanding of coffee, a sharp sense of taste, and a steadfast commitment to equity. Judges are vital to the event’s success, ensuring that the finest brew is recognized and that the championship continues to motivate the coffee community in the UAE and beyond.
