I'm just about done creating a 36-page booklet for the championship. The booklet describes the rules, the history of the event and a detailed description of all 20 coffees that will be used during the competition.
There are coffees from a large variety of coffee producing countries being used at this event. The championship is an opportunity for coffee growing countries and local farms to highlight their products on international arena.
The 7th World Cup Tasters Championship will coincide with the World Barista Championship 2010, which is also being held in London at the time.
Why a World Cup Tasters Championship?
The objectives of this competition are several: To educate and motivate the cup tasters of the world. To give them the same status and credibility as the wine tasters, and to promote the concept of quality coffee as such.
How does it work?
To make the event fair to all the coffee cultures of the world the organisers do not ask the cup tasters to identify or judge coffees. The judges simply test their skills to discriminate between tastes in triangular tests. 8 triangles are set on the table. In each two cups are identical, one is different. With ability to smell, taste, memorise and concentrate the competitor will identify the odd cup in the triangles.
The one with the most correct identifications wins the championship. With equal numbers the one with the shortest time win. The organisers set up the triangles with selected coffees from all over world, and the spectators will be able to taste the coffees after the competition.
The competitions
The Championship starts with qualifying heats with four participants in each. Scores and times are kept and published immediately. The eight best cuppers goes on to the semi-final, where triangles are changed and discriminations made more difficult.
The four best cuppers goes on to the final. Qualifying competitions are now being held in several countries. Where qualifying competitions cannot be held, SCAE chapters or similar speciality coffee associations can name the competitor they find the best to represent their nation.
A global event
SCAE expects up to 40 cup tasters from both consuming and producing countries to compete in the championship. The event is educational, exciting and fun to watch.
For further information visit The World Cup Tasters Championship website.