Serving as a Sensory Judge at a Barista Competition in Dubai
Reflections on serving as a Sensory Judge at a barista competition hosted by Refill Roastery at Victoria Arduino Dubai — what sensory judging actually involves, and what every competitor taught me.
Every opportunity to contribute to the specialty coffee industry is a chance to give back to the community that has shaped my career. Recently, I had the privilege of serving as a Sensory Judge at a barista competition hosted by Refill Roastery at Victoria Arduino Dubai, where I evaluated talented competitors as they showcased their technical skills, coffee knowledge, and passion for excellence.
Receiving my judging participation certificate is certainly a proud moment, but the real reward was being part of a process that celebrates professionalism, dedication, and continuous improvement within our industry.
Looking Beyond the Cup
Many people assume that judging a barista competition is simply about deciding which coffee tastes the best. In reality, sensory judging is far more comprehensive.
As a sensory judge, every competitor is evaluated on how effectively they communicate the sensory experience they intend to create. From aroma and flavour clarity to balance, sweetness, acidity, mouthfeel, and overall harmony, every element matters. Equally important is consistency — ensuring that each beverage delivers the experience the competitor set out to achieve.
Judging requires complete concentration, objectivity, and adherence to internationally recognised competition standards. Every score has an impact, making fairness and consistency essential throughout the event.
Learning from Every Competitor
One of the aspects I appreciate most about judging is that it is also a learning experience.
Each competitor brought a unique perspective through their coffee selection, brewing techniques, flavour presentation, and storytelling. Watching passionate coffee professionals perform under pressure reminded me that our industry continues to evolve because of individuals who constantly push the boundaries of quality and creativity.
As judges, we are not only evaluating performances — we are witnessing the future of specialty coffee unfold, one presentation at a time.
The Responsibility of a Judge
Serving as a judge is a responsibility that extends beyond competition day.
It requires years of sensory calibration, technical knowledge, and continuous education. Maintaining consistency in evaluation means continually refining one’s palate, staying current with competition standards, and approaching every competitor with professionalism and impartiality.
This experience reinforced something I have always believed: coffee is both an art and a science. Behind every exceptional cup lies discipline, practice, and countless hours of dedication.
A Moment of Gratitude
I am sincerely grateful to Refill Roastery, Victoria Arduino Dubai, the organising team, and everyone involved in making this event possible. It was an honour to be entrusted with the responsibility of serving as a sensory judge.
Congratulations to every competitor who stepped onto the stage with courage, confidence, and determination. Competing requires tremendous preparation and resilience, and each participant contributed to an inspiring event that reflected the passion and professionalism of the specialty coffee community.
Experiences like these remind me why I remain committed to coffee education, sensory development, and supporting the growth of coffee professionals. I look forward to continuing this journey as a judge, educator, and lifelong student of coffee — contributing to competitions that inspire excellence and help shape the future of our industry.
Thank you once again to Refill Roastery and Victoria Arduino Dubai for the opportunity and trust. It was a privilege to be part of such a meaningful event, and I look forward to supporting many more coffee competitions in the years ahead.