8 Wired Brewing, based in Warkworth with a barrel-room in nearby Matakana, are a perennial in the Top 30. They specialise in big, bold beers and this is one of the biggest and boldest. Made in the Baltic porter style, with the addition of beechwood smoke, this is a showcase for the art of balancing flavours. The aroma of smoke is initially subdued, with sweet black coffee taking centre stage. Sweet maple-syrup malt flavour is the first cab off the rank flavour-wise with the tangy smoke sliding in sideways, before building towards a gentle, just-bitter, warm finish aided by some alcohol heat. It's a beer that takes you on a journey of your palate's sensory capabilities.

Find out more about 8 Wired on the Ale Trail.