On 14 September 2026, Expat. Roasters Graha Famili Surabaya hosted Taste Like a Champion with Alif Andira, a dedicated cupping and sensory workshop designed to introduce guests to the skills, strategies and preparation involved in a cup tasting competition.
The session featured Alif Andira, winner of the 2025/2026 Indonesia Cup Tasters Championship, offering participants the opportunity to learn from an accomplished coffee professional and explore the sensory techniques behind competitive cup tasting.
With 10 workshop guests in attendance, the session created an intimate setting for learning, discussion and hands-on sensory exploration.
Learning from a Cup Tasting Champion
Cup tasting competitions challenge participants to identify differences between coffees through their senses. Success requires more than simply recognising flavour. It involves concentration, sensory awareness, consistency and the ability to make accurate observations within a limited period.
Through the workshop, Alif Andira shared insights into the skills and strategies relevant to cup tasting competitions. The session provided participants with an introduction to how professional competitors approach sensory evaluation and prepare for the demands of a championship environment.
By learning directly from a competition winner, guests were able to gain a closer understanding of the discipline and preparation that support cup tasting performance.
Exploring Cupping and Sensory Skills
Cupping and sensory evaluation are important parts of the specialty coffee industry. They help coffee professionals understand and compare the characteristics of different coffees, from aroma and flavour to overall sensory perception.
The workshop focused on developing participants’ awareness of these sensory differences while introducing the practical considerations involved in cup tasting. The session encouraged guests to approach coffee with greater attention and curiosity, exploring how small differences can influence the tasting experience.
Rather than focusing only on the final result, the workshop highlighted the importance of building a structured sensory approach through practice and observation.
Skills, Strategies and Competition Preparation
Preparing for a cup tasting competition requires a combination of sensory skills, strategy and repeated training. Competitors must develop the ability to recognise differences between cups while maintaining focus and confidence throughout the process.
As part of the workshop, Alif shared perspectives on the preparation involved in competitive cup tasting. His experience as the 2025/2026 Indonesia Cup Tasters Championship winner provided a valuable reference point for participants interested in understanding the competition process.
The session also demonstrated how sensory training can encourage coffee enthusiasts to become more attentive to the details within each cup.
Building Coffee Knowledge Through Community
Hosting workshops with experienced coffee professionals is part of creating opportunities for knowledge sharing within the coffee community. Events such as Taste Like a Champion allow guests to engage with coffee beyond everyday consumption and discover the technical and sensory elements behind the experience.
At Expat. Roasters Graha Famili Surabaya, the workshop brought together coffee enthusiasts in a learning environment centred on sensory exploration, professional experience and shared curiosity.
With Alif Andira leading the session, participants had the opportunity to explore the preparation and mindset associated with cup tasting competitions while developing a deeper appreciation of coffee sensory skills.