I was uncertain about what awaited me when I received an invitation from Garfield Kerr, the CEO of Mokha 1450 Luxury Specialty Coffee and the President of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) UAE chapter, 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 lively atmosphere filled with music from a live DJ, enthusiastic cheers, and a multitude of attendees from the UAE coffee scene.
My initial thought;
“What am I doing here, and am I truly capable of judging such remarkable talent?”
Enter… imposter syndrome.
Indeed, I’ve been immersed in the coffee world for over 18 years, met numerous experts like James Hoffman and Maxwell Colonna Smalls, received invitations to numerous events, attended various coffee conferences, managed my own coffee shop for three years, tasted coffees from nearly every region worldwide, and obtained a SCA Sensory Skills certificate. The list is extensive.
Thus, I felt fortunate when I spotted my top coffee companion, Naveed of The Need For Coffee, which allowed me to engage in conversation, unwind, and absorb the vibrant environment.
This interaction helped ease my anxiety, and while I strolled around the venue observing other judges overseeing the prequalifying rounds, I slowly regained my confidence, internally reassuring myself (not audibly) “Yes, I can do this.”
After a couple of hours, it was my turn along with my two fellow judges, one being a woman from Brazil with over ten years of experience in coffee and an Emirati lady who imports Yemeni coffee.
In summary, we were seated with our backs to the contestants to avoid any potential bias in our judgments or influence from their methodologies.
So, here we go…
After tasting three cups of coffee, we were instructed to indicate the one we believed was the best, and if two out of the three judges selected the same cup, that barista, identified only by a color, would emerge as the winner.
On the first attempt, the other two judges opted for a cup that I didn’t choose. I thought, “Oh dear.”
However, for the remaining cups, you’ll be pleased to hear that I consistently selected the winner.
The highlight for me was when one of the cups distinctly tasted like…
Coconut.
Wow!
I was eager to discover the technique that barista employed since all contestants had the same coffee.
I definitely chose that cup, and so did my fellow judges – it was a unanimous decision.
Suddenly, it was all over.
I hope to receive another invitation, and I am thankful to Garfield and his team at Mokha 1450 for putting together the event.
The fantastic photos were taken by the talented Naveed.
**Title: Behind the Scenes: Judging Experience at the UAE AeroPress Championship**
The UAE AeroPress Championship is a lively celebration of coffee culture, uniting baristas, coffee aficionados, and industry professionals from around the region. Central to this event is the judging panel, entrusted with the rewarding yet challenging task of evaluating the brews presented by competitors. This article explores the detailed process and distinctive experience of judging at the UAE AeroPress Championship.
**The Role of a Judge**
Judging at the AeroPress Championship is a blend of art and science. Judges evaluate the coffee based on specific criteria, including flavor, aroma, and overall impression. Typically, the judging panel comprises experienced coffee professionals, including baristas, roasters, and educators, who contribute their expertise and refined palates.
**Preparation and Calibration**
Before the competition begins, judges partake in a calibration session to synchronize their taste preferences and ensure scoring consistency. This session involves sampling various coffees to establish a baseline for evaluations. Calibration is vital as it fine-tunes judges’ senses and aligns their standards for the competition.
**The Judging Process**
During the event, competitors brew their AeroPress coffee, which is then served to the judges. The judging process is conducted blindly, meaning judges are unaware of which competitor prepared which coffee. This guarantees fairness and objectivity. Judges assess each cup according to:
1. **Taste**: The main criterion focusing on balance, sweetness, acidity, and aftertaste.
2. **Aroma**: The scent of the coffee, both in its dry and wet state, intensifying the overall sensory experience.
3. **Overall Impression**: The judge’s personal enjoyment and the coffee’s memorability.
Each judge independently scores the coffee, and the accumulated scores will identify the champion.
**Challenges and Rewards**
Judging at the UAE AeroPress Championship brings its own set of challenges. The variety of coffee origins, roast characteristics, and brewing methods means judges must be observant and responsive to subtle nuances. The pressure to deliver quick yet precise assessments can be considerable, especially with the high stakes at play.
Nevertheless, the experience is profoundly gratifying. Judges have the chance to taste some of the most exceptional coffees and witness the ingenuity and passion of the participants. The championship fosters a sense of community as judges and competitors share their love for coffee and learn from each other.
**Conclusion**
The judging experience at the UAE AeroPress Championship showcases the commitment and expertise necessary to evaluate the art of coffee brewing. It provides a unique opportunity to connect with the coffee community, celebrate creativity, and contribute to the development of specialty coffee culture in the UAE. For judges, the championship transcends mere competition; it becomes a journey of exploration, appreciation, and connection.
