I wasn’t sure what to expect when Garfield Kerr, the CEO of Mokha 1450 Luxury Specialty Coffee and President of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) UAE chapter, invited me to be a judge at the semi-finals of the UAE AeroPress Championships in Dubai on November 7, 2025.
Yet, as I entered the venue, a room full of music with a live DJ, loud cheer, and crowds from the UAE coffee community greeted me.
My initial thought;
“Why am I here and can I truly judge such skill?”
Enter…. Imposter syndrome.
Sure, I’ve covered coffee for over 18 years, met several experts like James Hoffman, Maxwell Colonna Smalls, been to countless events, attended various coffee conferences, managed my coffee shop for three years, sampled coffee from almost every region globally and achieved a SCA Sensory Skills certificate. The list is extensive.
It was fortunate to spot my top coffee buddy, Naveed of The Need For Coffee, allowing me to converse, ease up, and soak in the ambiance.
This calmed my nerves, and as I strolled around the venue, watching other judges assess the prequalifying rounds, I started feeling more at ease, telling myself (silently) “yes, I can manage this”.
After roughly two hours, it was time for me and my two co-judges, one a seasoned Brazilian lady in coffee for over a decade and an Emirati lady who imports Yemeni coffee.
In essence, we couldn’t see the participants, as we faced away to avoid bias or being swayed by technique.
And so, it began…
Upon sampling three coffee cups, we were instructed to point to the one deemed best, and if 2 of the 3 judges picked a cup, that barista, identified only by a color, unknown to us, emerged victorious.
On the first attempt, the other two judges selected a cup I did not. Then I pondered “oh dear”
Nonetheless, for the remaining cups, pleasing to know, I consistently chose the winner.
A standout moment was when one cup had a distinctive flavor of – guess what….
Coconut.
Astonishing!
I was eager to learn what method that barista used given the uniform coffee for all participants.
I certainly picked that cup and so did my fellow judges – unanimous decision.
And suddenly, it concluded.
I do hope to receive another invitation and I’m thankful to Garfield and the Mokha 1450 team for organizing this event.
All stunning photos were taken by none other than Naveed.
Title: Behind the Scenes: Judging Experience at the UAE AeroPress Championship
The UAE AeroPress Championship is a eagerly awaited occasion in the coffee scene, presenting the abilities and imagination of baristas from the area. While the participants are the main spectacle, the judges have a vital role in determining the competition’s outcome. This piece explores the judging journey at the UAE AeroPress Championship, emphasizing the duties, trials, and rewards of the position.
**The Role of a Judge**
Judges at the UAE AeroPress Championship are responsible for appraising the brews made by contestants using the AeroPress, a favored coffee brewing tool. The judging panel often includes seasoned coffee professionals, comprising baristas, roasters, and industry authorities, who bring immense knowledge and skill to the process.
**Criteria for Evaluation**
The assessment process is founded on distinct criteria crafted to evaluate the coffee’s quality. These include:
1. **Taste Balance**: Judges assess the flavor balance, seeking a harmonious assembly of sweetness, acidity, and bitterness.
2. **Flavor Complexity**: The flavor complexity is analyzed to ascertain how well the coffee expresses its distinctive traits.
3. **Aroma**: The coffee’s aroma is vital, as it greatly enriches the overall sensory experience.
4. **Aftertaste**: Judges consider the aftertaste, which should be enjoyable and persist without any negative notes.
5. **Overall Impression**: This is a comprehensive assessment of the coffee, taking into account all sensory elements and the judge’s personal experience.
**The Judging Process**
The judging process begins with a calibration session, aligning palates and setting evaluation standards. This ensures uniformity and impartiality throughout the event. During the competition, judges taste numerous coffee rounds, often sampling several cups swiftly. This demands keen taste senses and the capacity to discern minute differences between brews.
**Challenges Faced by Judges**
Judging at the UAE AeroPress Championship brings its set of challenges. The fast-paced competition requires rapid decision-making and acute sensory abilities. Fatigue might be an issue, as tasting numerous coffees quickly can overwhelm the palate. Judges must remain concentrated and impartial, putting aside personal preferences to ensure a fair assessment.
**The Rewards of Judging**
Despite the hurdles, judging at the UAE AeroPress Championship is a fulfilling experience. Judges get to witness the inventiveness and originality of gifted baristas, each presenting their unique brewing method. The role also offers a networking and learning opportunity, as judges engage with other coffee aficionados and industry leaders.
**Conclusion**
The judging experience at the UAE AeroPress Championship is crucial to the event, guaranteeing that the top brews are acknowledged and honored. It demands expertise, neutrality, and a passion for coffee. For participants, it’s not just about selecting a champion, but also fostering the growth and appreciation of coffee culture in the UAE.
