Deep Creek, based on Auckland's North Shore are one of the industry leaders when it comes to "fruited sours". They set the bar high a few years ago with their Tiki series, for which Aloha is the flagship beer. A passionfruit and guava sour, Aloha has made previous appearances in this competition and it's no surprise to see it back. It's a beer that goes superbly with food, with its bright acidity doing the same job as wine when it comes to cutting through fat and salt. The real fruit flavours are restrained, offering a harmonic contribution to the overall package. A good sour is all about the balance between sweet and acid - according to the judges, Aloha nails it.

Find out more about Deep Creek on the Ale Trail.