Neil Golez: From Al Ain to the National Stage — The Journey of the UAE AeroPress Champion 2025
Dubai – Ali Alzakary
Out of 250 of the UAE’s most skilled baristas, who competed passionately over three days, Neil Golez from Form Roastery in Al Ain emerged victorious, claiming the title of UAE AeroPress Champion 2025.
After three consecutive seasons — winning gold, then silver, then gold again — Neil’s story embodies perseverance, precision, and humility before every brew. His triumph reflects the growing spirit of the UAE’s coffee community, where dedication and creativity blend into a vibrant culture of excellence.
In his first interview after being crowned champion, Neil speaks with Qahwa World about his early beginnings, his philosophy in brewing, the secrets behind his winning recipe, and his preparation to represent the UAE on the world stage in Seoul.
Neil, congratulations on your victory! How did your journey in coffee begin, and what inspired you to become a barista?
Thank you! It all started during my college days when I first tasted an Ethiopian washed coffee. The flavors amazed me and completely changed how I viewed coffee. That moment ignited my passion to learn, grow, and eventually become a barista.
You’ve competed three times now, collecting gold, silver, and gold again. How have those experiences shaped you?
Each competition has taught me something new. Whether I won or not, I always walked away grateful. I see my mistakes, learn from them, and improve. For me, the learning itself is already a victory.
What does this new title mean to you personally and professionally as a barista representing Al Ain and the UAE?
It means so much — especially because of the incredible support from the Al Ain coffee community. This title represents our collective effort, our passion, and our belief in what coffee can be. It’s more than an individual win; it’s a shared success for everyone who has been part of this journey.
Can you describe the moment your name was announced as the winner?
It still feels surreal. The moment my name was called, I couldn’t believe it. The competition was intense yet full of joy, and I’m just truly grateful for the entire experience and everyone who made it possible.
You mentioned that the beans for the finals were quite tricky. What made them challenging, and how did you approach them?
The coffee itself was really nice but not easy to handle. I decided to use a lower PPM to balance and highlight its strong, vibrant flavors. It turned into a great learning opportunity that pushed me to refine my approach even further.
How did you fine-tune your recipe to bring out the best in those beans?
I worked on reducing acidity using potassium minerals, lowered my coffee dose slightly, and used water with a lower PPM. That balance created a clean, structured cup that really allowed the coffee to shine naturally.
What makes the AeroPress so special to you compared to other brewing methods?
The AeroPress stands out because of its flexibility. It allows endless experimentation — you can adjust every variable and discover new flavor possibilities every time. That’s what makes it both fun and deeply rewarding.
In your winning recipe, you emphasized simplicity. Do you believe simplicity is the key to great coffee?
Yes, simplicity helps achieve consistency and clarity in flavor. But I also think complexity can sometimes pay off when it’s intentional and balanced. For me, it’s about brewing with purpose — understanding what you want to express in each cup.
You credited your colleagues for helping you perfect your recipe. How important was that teamwork in your success?
It was crucial. I deal with acid reflux, so tasting large amounts of coffee can be difficult. My colleagues helped me by tasting, giving feedback, and brainstorming together. Their support made all the difference, and I’m really grateful for that.
Tell us about your experience at Form Roastery. How has it shaped your growth as a barista?
Working at Form Roastery has been incredible. Even though my main role is as a roaster, tasting coffees daily during quality control has helped me understand flavor deeply. It’s like continuous training — every day is a new lesson.
You’ll soon represent the UAE at the World AeroPress Championship in Seoul. How are you preparing for the global stage?
Right now, I’m focused on finishing all my paperwork and travel requirements. Once that’s settled, we’ll begin refining the recipe and preparation strategy for the world stage. Representing the UAE is a huge honor, and I want to make everyone proud.
What do you think makes the UAE’s coffee community unique on the international scene?
The UAE’s coffee community is beautifully diverse. It brings together people from all over the world — each with their own traditions, ideas, and methods. That mix creates an incredible energy where collaboration and creativity thrive.
What message would you like to share with baristas in the Emirates who dream of competing next year?
Stay curious and never stop learning. Every competition, whether you win or not, is an opportunity to grow. Be patient, practice consistently, and always enjoy the process. Passion is the best motivation you can have.
This year’s championship theme celebrated the UAE’s coffee culture. How do you connect traditional Arabic coffee with modern brewing styles like AeroPress?
I see a beautiful connection between them. Both are built on passion, respect, and storytelling. Whether it’s Arabic coffee or AeroPress, both honor the bean, the craft, and the people behind every cup.
