Coffee enthusiasts and baristas are preparing for a unique and exciting event, the UAE AeroPress Coffee Championship 2024, which will take place in Dubai from August 1 to 3. This special event is expected to attract coffee lovers from across the region to compete and showcase their skills in brewing coffee using the AeroPress.

Competition Format: The championship follows a multi-round elimination format. In each round, two or more participants will simultaneously brew coffee using the AeroPress. Competitors are given five minutes to complete the entire process, from preparation to presentation. The brewed coffee is served in identical cups to the judging panel, who will blind taste to determine the best cup. The winner of each round advances to the next stage, while others are eliminated.

Device Specifications and Preparation Rules: Participants must use an original or clear AeroPress. All components, including the chamber, plunger, and original filter cap, must be used. Other versions of the AeroPress, such as the small or large AeroPress or improved versions with the flow control filter cap, are not allowed. Custom-painted AeroPress devices are allowed, provided they are made from the original or clear AeroPress without modification. No other coffee brewing devices, such as French presses or pour-over methods, are permitted.

Filter Use and Guidelines: Any type of filter can be used, provided it does not replace the original filter cap. Filters can be made from paper, metal, cloth, or other neutral-tasting materials. The filter must fit inside the filter cap and be the primary mechanism for filtering the coffee.

Allowed Accessories: Participants may use various accessories, including grinders, kettles, scales, spoons, timers, thermometers, device stands, sieves, air blowers, Ross and Weiss technique tools, cooling stones, and water distribution tools. All accessories must comply with the specified competition rules.

Brewing Rules: Only ground coffee and water are permitted. If the organizers specify a particular coffee or water for the competition, participants must use only those. Up to 18 grams of ground coffee can be used, and participants must produce at least 150 grams of brewed coffee. Coffee must be presented within the allotted five minutes.

Water Rules: Participants can bring their own water, provided it tastes neutral. The head judge has the right to taste and approve the water. The use of ice and water of any temperature for dilution is permitted.

Judging Process: Each round is judged using a blind tasting technique. Participants’ names and countries are hidden, and there is no official score sheet. Judges independently determine their preferred coffee and simultaneously point to the selected cup. In case of a tie, the head judge makes the final decision.

Pre-Competition Preparation: Before the competition, participants can preheat water, sort coffee beans, weigh doses, assemble the device, and place the filter. On stage, participants have a few minutes to set up their equipment and heat the water but cannot rinse the filter, preheat or cool the devices and cups, or grind coffee until the competition starts.

Competition Time: During the five-minute competition time, participants must preheat or cool the devices and cups, grind the coffee, prepare the recipe, and pour the brewed coffee into the judging cup. Participants must bring their original AeroPress devices and are allowed to use their own scales and grinders. Water brought by participants will be reviewed by the head judge.

If the national champion is unable to travel or obtain a visa, the eligibility will pass to the second-place winner, and if necessary, to the third-place winner. Eligibility does not extend beyond the top three participants and cannot be transferred to future seasons.

The UAE AeroPress Coffee Championship 2024 promises to be an exciting event showcasing the skill and creativity in coffee brewing. Stay tuned for updates and results from this unique event