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 serve as a judge at the semi-finals of the UAE AeroPress Championships which took place in Dubai on 7 November 2025, I was uncertain of what to expect.
Upon entering the venue, I was welcomed by a lively atmosphere filled with music from a live DJ, enthusiastic cheers, and a crowd of coffee lovers from the UAE.
My initial thought;
“What am I doing here, and am I truly qualified to judge such remarkable talent?”
Enter…. Imposter syndrome.
Indeed, I’ve been immersed in coffee culture for more than 18 years, encountered numerous experts including James Hoffman, Maxwell Colonna Smalls, attended various events, participated in numerous coffee conferences, ran my own café for three years, sampled coffee from nearly every corner of the globe, and achieved a SCA Sensory Skills certificate. The achievements continue.
Therefore, I felt fortunate when I spotted my top coffee companion, Naveed from The Need For Coffee, allowing me to engage in conversation, unwind, and absorb the ambiance.
This made me feel more at ease, and as I wandered around the venue observing the other judges evaluating the prequalifying rounds, I started to regain my confidence, silently affirming “yes, I can do this”.
After approximately two hours, it was my moment to judge alongside my fellow judges, one being a woman from Brazil with over a decade of experience in coffee and the other an Emirati lady who imports Yemeni coffee.
To sum it up, we weren’t allowed to see the competitors, so we were situated with our backs to them, presumably to avoid influencing our opinions or being swayed by their techniques.
And so the judging commenced…
After tasting three cups of coffee, we were instructed to point to the one we deemed the best, and if two out of three judges selected the same cup, that barista—identified only by color and unknown to us—was declared the winner.
On my first attempt, the other two judges chose a cup that I did not. I thought, “oh dear”.
However, for the remaining cups, I’m pleased to mention that I consistently selected the winning one.
The highlight for me came when one of the cups exhibited a distinctive flavor of guess….
Coconut.
Incredible!
I was eager to learn what method that barista employed since all coffees for the contestants were identical.
I certainly chose that cup, and my fellow judges did as well – a unanimous choice.
And just like that, it was all over.
I hope for another invitation, and I extend my gratitude to Garfield and his team at Mokha 1450 for orchestrating this event.
The exceptional photographs were captured by none other than Naveed.
Title: Inside the Judging Experience at the UAE AeroPress Championship
The UAE AeroPress Championship is an eagerly awaited event in the coffee community, attracting baristas and coffee enthusiasts from across the region to demonstrate their skills in the AeroPress brewing technique. As the competition grows in prestige each year, the importance of the judges becomes more significant in crowning the champion. Here, we explore the complexities of the judging journey at this distinguished event.
**Understanding the AeroPress Championship**
The AeroPress Championship stands out due to its emphasis on a single brewing method—the AeroPress. This device, renowned for its flexibility and ease of use, enables competitors to explore various brewing techniques, grind sizes, and coffee sources. The challenge lies in creating a cup that excels in flavor, aroma, and overall harmony.
**The Role of Judges**
Judges at the UAE AeroPress Championship are generally experienced coffee professionals, including baristas, roasters, and industry specialists. Their primary duty is to assess each brew against specific standards, guaranteeing a fair and objective evaluation. The judging panel typically comprises three to five members, each contributing their knowledge and palate to the process.
**Judging Criteria**
The evaluation process is thorough, centering on several critical elements:
1. **Taste**: The foremost aspect, judges evaluate each brew’s flavor profile, searching for complexity, balance, and clarity. A well-prepared AeroPress coffee should display a harmonious mix of acidity, sweetness, and bitterness.
2. **Aroma**: Aroma is vital to the comprehensive coffee experience. Judges note the scent of the brew, both in the dry grounds and the final beverage.
3. **Body**: The texture or mouthfeel of the coffee is taken into account. An ideal AeroPress brew should possess a pleasant and suitable body, not too light or excessively dense.
4. **Aftertaste**: The residual taste post-swallowing is judged for its quality and length. A clean and enjoyable aftertaste is preferred.
5. **Creativity**: Though not always an official criterion, judges often admire inventive takes on the AeroPress method, such as unique recipes or unconventional techniques that yield a delicious cup.
**The Judging Process**
The competition typically unfolds in multiple rounds, with entrants brewing their coffee within a specified time limit. Judges perform blind tastings, unaware of which competitor crafted each cup, ensuring impartiality. They utilize a scoring system to evaluate each entry, with discussions and deliberations following the initial tasting to reach a consensus.
**Challenges Faced by Judges**
Evaluating the AeroPress Championship is no small feat. The subtle distinctions between brews can be difficult to discern, requiring judges to possess a refined palate and acute sense of smell. Moreover, the necessity to maintain objectivity and consistency throughout the competition is crucial, as the stakes are high for the competitors.
**Conclusion**
The judging experience at the UAE AeroPress Championship is a fusion of art and science, demanding an in-depth understanding of coffee and a passion for excellence. As the event continues to expand, the role of judges remains fundamental in honoring the creativity and talent of the region’s finest baristas. For those privileged to occupy a place on the judging panel, it is an opportunity to experience firsthand the innovation and commitment that characterize the domain of specialty coffee.
