Maurice Malone

If you know denim...

African American denim designer and fashion brands owner Maurice Malone speaking to students in denim class at Parson School of Design
Photo of denim designer Maurice Malone working on taking in the waist of a pair of jeans at his 67 West Street, Greenpoint, Brooklyn, studio.

Expert Denim Tailoring at 67 West Street: Stridewise visits our studio to learn how we take in the waist of jeans

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Nick English of Stridewise dropped by our 67 West Street studio in the heart of Greenpoint, Brooklyn, entrusting us—the nation’s top-tier denim alteration specialists—with refining the fit of his jeans at the waist. Dive into our expert process through this video, and if you’re plotting a course to our doorstep, we’ve included some handy navigation tips to guide you right to us.

Whole Hog Brewery Pumpkin Ale, set against a white background in a 12-ounce bottle

The Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale Review

Whole Hog Brewery’s Pumpkin Ale is an exceptional brew that has been consistently capturing the attention and admiration of beer enthusiasts, especially during its seasonal availability from August through October. Despite pouring with a minimalistic appearance, almost deceivingly so, with few bubbles, this pumpkin ale has an unexpectedly vivacious flavor profile. There’s an artful harmony in the taste where one part brings forth a light and alluring sweetness while the other side resonates with a robust richness that you can’t miss. The beer masterfully balances its pumpkin essence and pie spices, ensuring they enhance the flavor rather than overpower it. Notes of natural cinnamon, nutmeg, and authentic pumpkin shine through, bringing memories of cozy autumn evenings.

Why just read about a beer’s pour when you can see it for yourself?

Undoubtedly, Whole Hog Brewery’s Pumpkin Ale has made a significant mark in the brewing world. Garnering a series of notable accolades from 2012 to 2021, its awards stand as a testament to the ale’s exceptional quality. Such consistent recognition highlights the brewer’s unerring dedication to detail and craft.

With a clean finish, each sip becomes smoother and more delightful than the last, making it an absolute pleasure to the palate. Whole Hog Brewery’s Pumpkin Ale is not just a drink; it’s a journey through autumn’s finest flavors.

See where Whole Hog Brewery Pumpkin Ale ranks on our list

  • Style: Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 7 %
  • IBUs: 38
  • Seasonal: Available August through October
  • Awards: 2021 Great American Beer Festival, Bronze Medal, Pumpkin Beer
  • Awards: 2019 Great American Beer Festival | Gold Medal | Pumpkin/Squash Beer or Pumpkin Spice Beer
  • Awards: 2018 Great American Beer Festival | Silver Medal | Pumpkin/Squash Beer or Pumpkin Spice Beer
  • Awards: 2015 European Beer Star, Gold Medal, Herb and Spice Beer
  • Awards: 2015 Paste Magazine, Gold Medal, Pumpkin Beer
  • Awards: 2014 Great American Beer Festival | Bronze Medal
  • Awards: 2012 Great American Beer Festival, Gold Medal, Pumpkin Beer
  • Tasting Notes: Pumpkin pie spices, natural cinnamon, nutmeg, and real pumpkin
  • Brewer: Whole Hog Brewery by Stevens Point Brewery, Stevens Point, Wisconsin-based, independent craft brewery
A one pint can of Tröegs Master of Pumpkins Ale is reviewed as one of the Best Seasonal Beers in the beer blog Denim Beer Machines & Coffee.
A one pint can of Tröegs Master of Pumpkins Ale, brewed in Hershey,Pennsylvania.

On Top—A Review of Tröegs Master of Pumpkins, One of the Best Seasonal Beers

Autumn marks the return of flannel, bonfires, and the ever-popular pumpkin-flavored beers. In this competitive field, Tröegs Master of Pumpkins Ale has distinguished itself as a top contender.

If you’ve been doing your homework on the top pumpkin beers, you might’ve read my “Fluid List: The Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked,” where I ranked some of the best in the business (or, at least, those I’ve tasted). Master of Pumpkins didn’t just make the cut—it rose to the top, a testament to its craft and flavor profile.

After taking my first sip of Master of Pumpkins Ale, it became immediately clear that it was well-named. Oh, it’s not just a moniker; it’s a statement.

Master of Pumpkins Ale pours with an inviting, thick, creamy, off-white head that immediately catches the eye. The beer itself presents a rich, dark brown hue, evoking autumn evenings and a sense of rustic warmth. On the nose, the aroma delivers subtle hints of cinnamon, clove, and, of course, pumpkin—conjuring a nostalgic blend of fall scents. As for carbonation, it strikes a well-balanced medium, providing just enough effervescence to elevate the complex flavors without overwhelming the palate.


Founded in 1996 and hailing from Hershey, Pennsylvania, Tröegs Independent Brewing has a long-standing reputation for crafting award-winning beers. Among their seasonal offerings, Master of Pumpkins Ale stands out. Every ingredient, down to the longneck pumpkins, is locally sourced from Pennsylvania farms, lending the ale an unmatched level of authenticity.

Master of Pumpkins Ale isn’t just another seasonal offering—it’s a finely crafted masterpiece in the realm of pumpkin ales. If you get the chance, don’t hesitate to try it; it comes with my highest recommendation for an autumnal brew done right.

  • Style: Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 7.5 %
  • IBUs: 30
  • Available: Seasonal, available September through October
  • Awards: 2019 U.S. Beer Tasting Championship – Best of the Mid-Atlantic Spice Beer
  • Grain: Munich, Pilsner, Special B
  • Hops: German Northern Brewer
  • Yeast: Belgian Ale Yeast
  • Tasting Notes: nutmeg, cinnamon, caramel, vanilla bean
  • Brewer: Tröegs Independent Brewing, Hershey, Pennsylvania-based, independent craft brewery
The leg opening of a pair of jeans is shown on a table, indicating how the inseam of jeans with twisted legs is about to be measured. The chain-stitched hem has a roping effect as well.

How to measure the inseam of jeans with twisted legs

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The goal of this tutorial video is to walk you through the complex process of determining the inseam of twisted-leg jeans. In contrast to measuring the inseam on a pair of typical jeans or pants, dealing with twisted legs adds an additional level of complication. When the legs of the jeans wrap around to the opposite side, the dilemma of whether to follow the inseam line arises.

The short answer is no. The key is to follow the natural shape of the jeans as though there were no twist. In this video, we show you step-by-step how to do this.

In addition, we explore some of the frequent mistakes that tailors and clients requesting hemming alterations make while shortening the inseam. This guide will educate you on why using a general request like “take off 2 inches” while asking for a hemming service may not be the best choice. Similar to this, we show how this approach can result in mistakes when shortening jeans for tailors who often align the hems of jeans before simply cutting them. Have a look at our video to enhance your understanding and skills with denim alterations.

A 16-ounce can of Jack's Abby Ray Catcher beer for review as one of the most refreshing craft beers and rice lagers.

Like Sweet Sunshine: Ray Catcher by Jack’s Abby Brewing

Jack’s Abby Brewing’s craft rice lager, “Ray Catcher,” tastes like catching sunshine in a glass. It is both incredibly refreshing and surprisingly exciting. I had to resist the strong temptation of not putting the glass down and guzzling the whole 16 ounces before realizing that it would not be good for this taste review.

This brew makes a delightful first impression with its deep straw-gold appearance. The pour births a playful, frothy head that gradually subsides, mirroring the airy lightness intrinsic to this lager.

As Ray Catcher breathes, it unfolds an alluring aromatic narrative. Initially, the nose detects a subtle combination of spice and light fruit tones. The beer’s palate is an echo of its aroma, with a melody of flavors playing in perfect harmony. Beneath these bold strokes hides a trace of light fruitiness, whispering mysteries to your taste buds.

Despite its light-bodied nature, Ray Catcher possesses an impressive fullness of mouthfeel, thanks to the natural carbonation. This duality turns every sip into an experience; each taste is a fresh revelation that keeps you reaching for more.

Ray Catcher’s refreshingly crisp taste and clean finish are like precious rays of sunshine, meant to be caught, savored, and remembered. Light as a summer breeze yet deep with complexity, Ray Catcher is not just a beer but a liquid embodiment of the sun’s golden touch.

A 12-ounce can of Banana Bread Beer by Eagle Brewery

Unpeeling a flavorful review of Eagle Brewery’s Banana Bread Beer

Bracing your senses with a taste that transcends the ordinary, Eagle Brewery’s (formerly known as Charles Wells) Banana Bread Beer is no ordinary libation. Its initial pour reveals a rich, tantalizing aroma of banana bread, fresh from the oven. Though bananas might not be my first fruit of choice, this delightful fragrance captures the essence of comfort and warmth in a truly irresistible way.

This extraordinary brew first caught my eye while stopping for drinks at Kent Ale House in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Amid a common line-up of beers, the can’s artwork caught my attention, reading “Banana Bread Beer by Eagle Brewery.” I’d never encountered a banana-flavored beer before, so curiosity piqued, I decided to give it a shot.

My first encounter with Eagle Banana Bread Beer was at Kent Ale House in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

My first sip elicited a simple thought: “This is different.” As the night was winding down after a long day, the thought of another round was tempting, but I held back. Yet, I was keen not to let this unique brew slip from my memory, so I snapped a few pictures as a reminder of my newfound gem.

Fast forward a few weeks and a routine perusal of my local Whole Foods’ beer section brought a delightful surprise. There it was—my memorable banana bread beer, gleaming in a six-pack arrangement. Without a second thought, I grabbed a pack, eager to revisit the experience, and pen down this review.

As it turned out, one six-pack wasn’t enough. The beers disappeared faster than I could type, and on my return to the store, the shelves stood bare, mirroring my disappointment. A few more trips, and I finally lucked out, securing another six-pack and another chance to delve into the flavors of this remarkable brew.

Eagle Brewery’s Banana Bread Beer is more than just an intoxicating blend of flavors; it’s a sensory experience that kindles the warm, comforting nostalgia of homemade banana bread, encased in a finely crafted brew. It strikes a fairly balanced note. It pours a dark amber, tasting with a subtle hint of bitterness that complements rather than competes with the sweet undertones. Its flavor profile embodies the essence of an authentic English ale, with smooth hints of ripe banana, caramel, and a touch of malt that dance on the palate.

For beer enthusiasts seeking to venture beyond the traditional and for anyone who cherishes a high-quality brew, Eagle Brewery’s Banana Bread Beer presents an unparalleled taste adventure. It stands as a testament to the magic that can happen when innovation meets meticulous execution, adding a delightful new chapter to the beer industry’s narrative. So, should you stumble upon this enticing brew at your local bar or retailer, don’t hesitate to indulge in the unique charm of this banana bread beer. Here’s to embarking on a memorable taste journey! Cheers!

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