I had no expectations 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.
Yet, upon entering the venue, I was welcomed by a lively atmosphere filled with music from a live DJ, enthusiastic cheers, and a bustling crowd from the UAE coffee community.
My immediate thought was;
“What am I doing here, and am I truly capable of judging such remarkable talent?”
Enter… Imposter syndrome.
Indeed, I’ve dedicated over 18 years to writing about coffee, encountered numerous experts like James Hoffman, Maxwell Colonna Smalls, received invitations to various events, attended multiple coffee conferences, operated my own coffee shop for three years, sampled coffee from nearly every region globally, and earned a SCA Sensory Skills certificate. The accomplishments are vast.
Therefore, I felt fortunate when I spotted my closest coffee friend, Naveed of The Need For Coffee, allowing me to converse, unwind, and absorb the lively ambiance.
This encounter aided my relaxation, and as I strolled through the venue observing the other judges evaluate the pre-qualifying rounds, I gradually regained my composure, mentally affirming (not aloud) “yes, I can do this.”
After around two hours, it was my turn alongside two fellow judges, one being a woman from Brazil with over 10 years of experience in coffee and an Emirati lady who imports Yemeni coffee.
To summarize, we were positioned so that we could not see the contestants, seated with our backs to them, as this might influence our judgment or potentially distract us from the methodology.
So, here we go…
After tasting three cups of coffee, we were instructed to point to the one we thought was the best, and if two out of the three judges selected a cup, that barista, who was only identified by a color unknown to us, would be declared the winner.
On the initial round, the other two judges opted for a cup that I did not. My thought was “oh dear.”
Nonetheless, for the remaining cups, you’ll be pleased to know that I consistently chose the winning cup.
The most memorable moment for me was when one of the cups featured a distinctly recognizable flavor of…
Coconut.
Amazing!
I was curious to learn what techniques that barista had applied, as all coffees were the same for every contestant.
I undoubtedly selected that cup, and so did my fellow judges – it was a unanimous choice.
And before I knew it, it was all wrapped up.
I hope to receive an invitation again and I’m thankful to Garfield and his team at Mokha 1450 for organizing the event.
All the fantastic photos were captured by none other than Naveed.
**Judging Experience at the UAE AeroPress Championship**
The UAE AeroPress Championship serves as an exciting tribute to coffee culture, uniting baristas, coffee aficionados, and industry professionals from the region. As a judge at this esteemed event, one embraces the thrilling yet demanding responsibility of evaluating the skills and innovation of competitors, who stretch the limits of what can be accomplished with the AeroPress, a favored coffee-making device.
**The Role of a Judge**
Judges for the UAE AeroPress Championship are chosen based on their expertise in the coffee sector, commonly incorporating seasoned baristas, roasters, and coffee educators. Their main duty is to appraise the brews presented by competitors, concentrating on factors such as taste, aroma, and overall impression. The judging panel typically includes three to five members, ensuring a well-rounded assessment of each submission.
**Judging Criteria**
1. **Taste**: This represents the paramount aspect of judging. Judges examine the flavor profile of every brew, looking for balance, clarity, sweetness, and complexity. The perfect cup should offer a harmonious blend of flavors that accentuate the unique characteristics of the coffee beans utilized.
2. **Aroma**: Aroma is a vital element of the coffee experience. Judges evaluate the fragrance of the brew, noting the presence of enjoyable and distinct aromas that enhance the taste.
3. **Overall Impression**: This wraps up the judge’s comprehensive view of the coffee, factoring in elements such as mouthfeel, aftertaste, and the competitor’s presentation abilities. A noteworthy coffee should leave a lasting positive impact.
**The Judging Process**
The competition usually unfolds in a series of rounds, with competitors brewing their coffee under a time constraint. Each round is a direct face-off, with judges tasting the brews blindly to ensure fairness. The judges deliberate and score each coffee according to the predetermined criteria, and the competitor with the highest score moves on to the next stage.
**Challenges Faced by Judges**
Judging at the UAE AeroPress Championship comes with its set of challenges. With numerous competitors and varied brewing methods, judges must maintain focus and consistency in their evaluations. The sensory overload from sampling multiple coffees in a condensed timeframe can be overwhelming, demanding that judges cleanse their palates and sustain high levels of concentration throughout the event.
**The Cultural Significance**
The UAE AeroPress Championship transcends being merely a competition; it is a cultural event that honors the art and science of coffee brewing. It offers a stage for baristas to display their abilities and creativity, nurturing a sense of community and fellowship among coffee professionals. For judges, engaging in this event presents a chance to contribute to the advancement of coffee culture in the UAE and to witness firsthand the innovation and enthusiasm propelling the industry forward.
In conclusion, serving as a judge at the UAE AeroPress Championship is a fulfilling endeavor that provides a unique glimpse into the realm of competitive coffee brewing. It challenges judges to apply their expertise in assessing remarkable coffee creations while honoring the diversity and talent present in the coffee community.
