Among SCASA’s competitions, the Cup Tasters Championship is perhaps the purest test of sensory skill. No latte art, no technical scoresheets, no elaborate presentations - just baristas and coffee professionals relying on their palates to make split-second decisions.
It’s a deceptively simple format: competitors face a series of triangulations, three cups at a time, where two cups contain identical coffee and one is different. The challenge? Identify the odd cup out. It sounds straightforward, but with time pressure, sensory fatigue, and subtle differences in origin, processing, or roast, the task pushes even the most experienced tasters to their limits.
Behind the success of this competition is one crucial element: the coffee itself. That’s why SCASA is proud to partner with SEAM Coffee as our official sponsor for the Cup Tasters Championship.
Why the Right Coffee Matters in Cup Tasters
Cup Tasters relies entirely on the integrity and clarity of the coffees presented. The coffees chosen must:
- Show distinctive differences: Subtle enough to challenge but clear enough to reward skill.
- Be roasted with precision: Consistency is key - any variability in roast level could skew results.
- Highlight sensory diversity: From acidity to sweetness, body to aftertaste, the coffees must showcase the full spectrum of flavour profiles that tasters train to identify.
- Remain stable over multiple rounds: The competition can involve dozens of cups, requiring coffee that holds quality and flavour through repeated brewing.
Without reliable, high-quality coffee, the competition simply couldn’t function as a fair and credible test of sensory ability.
SEAM Coffee’s Role
SEAM Coffee brings not only world-class beans but also a deep commitment to transparency and quality. Their careful sourcing and roasting practices ensure that competitors are tasting coffees that truly represent the diversity and richness of the specialty coffee world.
By providing consistent, clean, and well-profiled coffees, SEAM allows the competition to focus squarely on the skills of the tasters rather than on inconsistencies in the cup. Their support ensures that every triangulation is a genuine test of sensory acuity.
Who is SEAM Coffee?
Based in Johannesburg, SEAM Coffee has built its reputation on sourcing and roasting with intention. Their philosophy is rooted in building seamless connections - between producers and consumers, origin and cup, coffee and community.
By working directly with producers and selecting coffees that highlight both terroir and process, SEAM showcases the incredible diversity of flavour that specialty coffee offers. In their roastery, precision and consistency take centre stage, ensuring every batch meets the highest standards while staying true to the character of the coffee.
SEAM is more than just a coffee company - they are educators, collaborators, and advocates for specialty coffee in South Africa. Their involvement in competitions reflects this ethos: supporting platforms that raise professional standards while inspiring the next generation of coffee professionals.
Gratitude to Our Sponsor
Quite simply, SCASA could not run the Cup Tasters Championship without the generosity and partnership of SEAM Coffee. Their sponsorship underpins the competition, giving South African coffee professionals the opportunity to test their skills, grow their sensory abilities, and prepare for the global stage.
On behalf of our competitors, judges, and the wider coffee community: thank you, SEAM Coffee, for supporting this vital competition and for helping us nurture the sensory excellence that drives specialty coffee forward.
