The Refill Roastery Cup Taster Championships, held recently at the Ayla Hotel Al Ain, was an enormous success, drawing an enthusiastic crowd from the local coffee community. This high- energy event saw the participation of Emirati coffee enthusiasts and professionals, showcasing the thriving coffee culture in the region.
Hosted in the ballroom of Ayla Hotel, the event provided a dynamic setting for coffee lovers and competitors alike. Attendees enjoyed an unlimited coffee experience, sampling offerings from Refill Roastery, El Boske Coffee, El Patron Coffee, Como Lounge espresso and brew bar, the Aya Matcha, Alpro Milk, and Al Ain Water showcases their new products as well include the much awaited ECM Machine by Boncafe Middle Eeast. This collaboration among coffee brands allowed everyone present, from visitors to competitors, to indulge in a wide array of flavors and brewing styles.
The event was formally inaugurated by Refill Roastery’s CEO, Maktoum Alsheraifi, who underscored the importance of such community events in the coffee community. He expressed that the competition provided a platform for talent to shine and fostered valuable connections among coffee professionals, baristas, and roasters.
Adding to the event’s prestige, the Specialty Coffee Association National Coordinator, Khalid Almulla, was present to award the winners. His participation, alongside notable sponsors, highlighted the event’s significance in the specialty coffee industry and reinforced its appeal within the coffee community.
The competition format presented a challenging yet exhilarating experience for the participants. Competitors were tasked with cupping five sets of three coffee cups per round, where they had to identify the odd cup out in each set. This setup put their sensory skills to the test and added an intense layer of excitement to the proceedings.
After multiple rounds, the top 20 competitors advanced to the semifinals, which further narrowed down to the final four contestants. The energy reached a peak in the final round, driven by the spirited hosting of Zarra Beatrice Vicente and Rolly Celzo, who amplified the tension and excitement for both the audience and competitors.
In the thrilling conclusion, Sunny Kumar Singh, an Indian national and roaster from ROR Coffee Solutions, emerged as the champion. Singh took home a custom-designed trophy, a generous AED 7,000 cash prize, and merchandise from the event sponsors. The runner-up, Maria Ramona Banez, a bar manager at Feathers Cafe, and the third-place finisher, Archie Cadiz, head barista at Aviala Cafe, both from the Philippines, were celebrated for their achievements. They received custom trophies, cash prizes, and sponsor-provided merchandise.
The event’s success was also due to the backing of international and local brands, including major sponsors like Qatar World Coffee Expo, Royal Simplicity, and Le Pre Specialty Cafe, whose support exceeded the expectations of the attendees and organizers alike.
This year’s Refill Roastery Cup Taster Championship not only highlighted exceptional talent but also reinforced the strong sense of community within the coffee industry. The event concluded with high praise, marking a memorable day for all involved and setting a benchmark for future gatherings.
