I had no clue what to anticipate when I received an invitation from Garfield Kerr, the head of Mokha 1450 Luxury Specialty Coffee and President of the UAE chapter of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), to serve as a judge at the semi-finals of the UAE AeroPress Championships taking place in Dubai on 7 November 2025.
Upon entering the venue, I was welcomed by a vibrant room filled with music from a live DJ, enthusiastic cheers, and a multitude of individuals from the UAE coffee community.
My initial thought;
“what am I doing here and can I actually judge such skill?”
Enter…. Imposter syndrome.
Indeed, I have been writing about coffee for more than 18 years, 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, sampled coffee from nearly every region worldwide, and earned a SCA Sensory Skills certificate. The list is extensive.
I felt fortunate when I spotted my close coffee friend, Naveed from The Need For Coffee, allowing me to chat, unwind, and absorb the buzzing environment.
This helped me feel at ease, and as I strolled around the venue observing other judges evaluating the prequalifying rounds, I regained more confidence, silently reassuring myself, “yes, I can do this.”
After approximately two hours, it was my turn alongside two other judges, one a woman from Brazil with over ten years in the coffee scene and an Emirati woman who imports Yemeni coffee.
In brief, we were not allowed to see the contestants, so we were positioned with our backs to them to avoid biasing our judgment or possibly being influenced by their methods.
And so, we began…
After tasting three cups of coffee, we were instructed to identify the one we deemed the best, with the understanding that if two out of three judges selected the same cup, that barista, designated only by a color unknown to us, would be declared the winner.
Initially, the other two judges chose a cup that I did not. At that moment, I thought, “oh dear.”
However, for the subsequent cups, you’ll be pleased to hear that I consistently selected the winner.
The highlight for me was when one of the cups presented a distinct flavor of guess….
Coconut.
Incredible!
I was eager to learn about the method that barista employed since all the coffees were identical for each contestant.
I undoubtedly picked that cup, and my other two judges agreed – it was a unanimous decision.
And then, before I realized it, it was all done.
I hope to receive an invitation again and am thankful to Garfield and his team at Mokha 1450 for orchestrating the event.
The wonderful pictures were snapped by none other than Naveed.
**Title: Behind the Scenes: Judging Experience at the UAE AeroPress Championship**
The UAE AeroPress Championship is an exciting celebration of coffee culture, gathering baristas, coffee aficionados, and industry professionals from throughout the region. This yearly event not only showcases brewing skills but also highlights the rising appreciation for specialty coffee in the UAE. Central to this competition is the vital role of the judges, whose knowledge and assessment ensure that the finest brew is recognized as the winner.
**Understanding the AeroPress Championship**
The AeroPress Championship is a distinctive coffee competition focusing on the AeroPress brewing method, a device celebrated for its flexibility and capacity to yield a rich, flavorful cup of coffee. Participants must craft their finest AeroPress brew, which a panel of judges will evaluate. The competition is accessible to both experienced baristas and novice coffee lovers, creating an inclusive atmosphere that honors creativity and innovation in coffee brewing.
**The Role of the Judges**
Judges at the UAE AeroPress Championship are chosen for their extensive expertise and experience within the coffee industry. They are often accomplished baristas, coffee roasters, or certified coffee tasters who contribute a wealth of knowledge to the judging process. Their primary role is to assess each brew against specific criteria, ensuring an impartial and fair evaluation of every competitor’s creation.
**Judging Criteria**
The judging process encompasses several key criteria:
1. **Taste**: The most significant aspect of the competition is the coffee’s flavor. Judges evaluate the flavor profile, balance, and overall impression of each brew, seeking a harmonious mix of acidity, sweetness, and bitterness along with any distinct characteristics that make the coffee unique.
2. **Aroma**: The aroma of the coffee is also crucial. Judges scrutinize the fragrance and intricacy of the coffee’s aroma, as it can greatly enhance the overall sensory experience.
3. **Body**: The body of the coffee refers to its texture and mouthfeel. Judges reflect on whether the coffee has a full, rich body or a lighter, more delicate texture, depending on the desired result.
4. **Aftertaste**: Quality coffee leaves a pleasant aftertaste. Judges examine the lingering flavors and how they contribute to the overall enjoyment of the brew.
5. **Creativity and Technique**: While taste is essential, judges also value creativity and technical skill. Competitors showcasing innovative brewing methods or unique flavor extraction techniques can gain additional recognition.
**The Judging Process**
The judging process is both thorough and systematic. Each judge receives a sample of the coffee, which they evaluate independently. After tasting, the judges assemble to discuss their insights and arrive at a consensus on the scores. This collaborative process ensures that the final decision reflects a balanced and comprehensive assessment of each entry.
**Challenges Faced by Judges**
Judging the AeroPress Championship is not without its hurdles. The variety of coffee origins, roast profiles, and brewing methods necessitates that judges remain adaptable and open-minded. They must also uphold objectivity and consistency throughout the competition, often tasting numerous coffees in a limited time, which demands a refined palate and sharp attention to detail.
**Conclusion**
The judging experience at the UAE AeroPress Championship exemplifies the commitment and expertise of the coffee professionals involved. Their role is integral to recognizing and rewarding the talent and creativity of competitors, ultimately fostering the growth of coffee culture in the UAE. As the championship continues to gain traction, the judges’ dedication to excellence ensures that the event remains a highlight in the region’s coffee calendar.
