Winning once is a milestone. Winning twice is a statement of growth.
We’re proud to welcome Michael Boles back to the APAX LAB Hall of Fame as the 2026 Egypt Brewers Cup Champion, after winning the title for the second consecutive year.
Michael was already featured last year following his 2025 victory, and this new title marks another important step in his competition journey. For him, this year was not about proving himself again; it was about refinement, deeper understanding, and pushing his approach to coffee even further.
With a routine built around sweetness, fruit expression, floral clarity, and balance, Michael used APAX LAB to craft a water recipe that helped bring his chosen coffee to its fullest expression.
We spoke with Michael about his second national title, his approach to water, and the role APAX LAB played in his winning performance.
1. Tell us more about this round of victory. This is your second consecutive year winning the championship. What makes this competition special to you and why did you decide to compete again this year?
Winning the Egypt Brewers Cup Championship for the second consecutive year was a very meaningful moment for me.
My first title was about proving myself, while this year was about refinement, growth, and pushing my understanding of coffee even further.
2. Water quality is crucial in brewing. How did it impact your approach to the competition?
Water played a critical role throughout my preparation.
I believe water is one of the most powerful tools in brewing because it directly shapes sweetness, acidity, texture, and flavour clarity.
3. How did you first hear about APAX LAB, and what made you choose our products to craft your competition water?
I first discovered APAX LAB through the specialty coffee competition community.
What made me choose your products was the precision and consistency they provide when building competition water recipes.
4. In what ways did the mineral concentrates help you achieve the best expression of your coffee and contribute to your win?
For my competition recipe, I used:
- 1g JAMM
- 1g LYLAC
per 1 litre of water.
This combination helped enhance sweetness, fruit expression, floral clarity, and overall balance while maintaining a clean and silky texture in the cup.
5. Which APAX LAB profile is your favourite, and why?
My favourite combination is definitely JAMM + LYLAC because it creates both intensity and elegance at the same time.
6. What coffee did you choose for your competition routine, and why was it the perfect fit for your approach?
For my routine, I chose a Red Bourbon from Jhoan Vergara because of its exceptional sweetness, vibrant fruit character, and elegant florality, which perfectly matched the sensory direction of my presentation.
7. What was your winning water recipe with APAX LAB, and how did it influence the final cup?
My winning water recipe was:
- 1g JAMM
- 1g LYLAC
- per 1 litre of water
This recipe helped shape a cup with enhanced sweetness, expressive fruit character, floral clarity, balance, and a clean, silky texture.
8. What is your motto, or favourite quote when it comes to coffee competition?
One quote I always carry with me in competition is:
“One cup can carry years of dedication.”
9. For those new to crafting their own water for filter coffee, what advice would you give them?
For anyone starting their journey with water customisation, my advice is simple:
Start small, taste carefully, and learn how minerals affect sweetness, acidity, texture, and clarity.
Final Thoughts
Michael’s second consecutive Egypt Brewers Cup title is a beautiful reminder that competition is not only about winning, but about evolution.
From proving himself in 2025 to refining his craft in 2026, his journey shows how intentional choices can help create a cup that carries both precision and meaning.
Congratulations again to Michael Boles, 2026 Egypt Brewers Cup Champion. We’re proud to have APAX LAB as part of your journey for the second year in a row.
