Secrets to Winning Roasting Championships: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Roasting competitions are a prestigious platform where coffee professionals showcase their skills in precision and consistency. However, even experienced competitors often make critical mistakes that can impact their final scores. As a judge of multiple Roasting Championships worldwide, I have observed several recurring missteps that competitors should avoid.
1. Skipping the Judges’ Debriefing
One of the most surprising missteps is that not all competitors take advantage of the debriefing session after results are announced. This session provides access to scoresheets, allowing competitors to review their performance, seek clarifications, and even challenge potential calculation errors. While misjudgments are rare due to double-blind cuppings and rigorous verification processes, human error is always a possibility. Engaging in this session is crucial for learning and ensuring transparency in scoring.
2. First Place Doesn’t Guarantee the Best-Tasting Cup
A common misconception is that winning the competition means producing the best-tasting coffee. In reality, roasting competitions prioritize accuracy over taste alone. The final score is a combination of multiple factors, with the accuracy of the roast profile and cup description carrying significant weight. The scoring structure includes two columns: one reflecting judges’ evaluation of aroma, flavor, aftertaste, acidity, sweetness, and mouthfeel, and another measuring the competitor’s accuracy in describing these attributes. Accuracy scores are multiplied by three, making them a decisive factor in determining the winner.
3. Overlooking Green Coffee Grading
Despite being one of the more straightforward aspects of the competition, green coffee grading is often poorly executed. As a roaster, having access to green coffee and defect identification resources, such as the Arabica Green Coffee Defect Handbook, provides a solid foundation for preparation. Seeking guidance from Q graders and dedicating time to hands-on practice can significantly improve this portion of the competition.
4. Missing the Organizational Meeting
Each competition includes a mandatory organizational meeting before the event, where key details and rules are explained. This is the only opportunity for competitors to ask questions, as inquiries are not permitted once the competition begins. Attending this meeting fully prepared and engaged can help prevent misunderstandings and missteps during the event.
Final Thoughts
Roasting competitions are as much about precision and preparation as they are about skill. Avoiding these common mistakes can significantly enhance a competitor’s performance and overall experience. Whether it’s taking full advantage of the debriefing, understanding the scoring system, improving green grading skills, or actively participating in pre-competition meetings, attention to these details can make the difference between an average performance and a winning one.
By Julia (Kvitkakavy) Dziadevych
Q Grader, Coffee Sourcing Expert, and Origin Trips Leader
