Dies Irea (Day Of Wrath)
New Holland Brewing Company

This is the exclusive brew that NH did for Sam's in Chicago.
Dies Irea means Day of Wrath.
Beer was brewed with honey & cider and secondary fermentation was with a Chardonnay yeast.

Pours dark brown with amber highlights. Very thin ring of head on the pour that disappears quickly.
Aroma of some caramel and darker fruit underpinnings (raisin, prune) coupled with an apple cidery note and a hint of the dry white wine grape or champagne.
Flavor has some dark fruits to start, then moving to a dry but more muscat-like grape finish. I believe the combination of the honey and Chardonnay yeast produce an interesting combination of sweet grape tastes that mange to be dry. Hints of citrusy champage throughout back half. Very interesting and unique. Cider notes emerge as beer warms but are subtle and well received and compliment the action rather than adding any kind of cloying finish.
Mouthfeel is thick and semi-sweet yet dry on the finish. Very good balance for so many flavors going on. Slightly burning alcohol on the finish due to the fairly high ABV.
Drinkability is great. Held up very well to my Gorgonzola burger. One was not enough, very enjoyable. One of the more complex beers that NH has produced. Highly recommend if you can get some of the limited quantity available.