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
A 1-pint can of Moor's Brewing Company Pilsner beer with a black man featured on the can for a tasting review in the beer blog Denim BMC.

A Tasty Review of the Moor’s Brewing Company’s Pilsner

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The striking black face on Moor’s Brewing Company’s Pilsner instantly drew me in as I perused the stacked six-packs at my local Whole Foods. Curiosity piqued, and I couldn’t resist sampling a brew from this black-owned brewery. Though not a rarity in today’s world, it was my inaugural encounter, and as a seasoned beer enthusiast, I’ve sampled my fair share.

Founded by Damon Patton, Jamhal Johnson, and Anthony Bell, all hailing from Chicago’s South Side, Moor’s Brewing Company represents a rich local legacy. Upon first whiff, it’s evident: this is no ordinary brew. The aroma is a delightful bouquet of florals and fruits, enticing me to savor the scent before even taking a sip.

In terms of taste, Moor’s Brewing Company’s Pilsner leans more toward flavor than sheer refreshment, boasting a slightly cloudy hue and its own distinct flavor profile. With a touch more bitterness than your typical American Pilsner, it forgoes the crisp finish for a more robust palate. Yet, far from a flaw, this characteristic is par for the course in many craft pilsners.

And did I mention the aroma? It bears repeating—this beer smells absolutely divine. After just one glass, it’s clear: this Pilsner packs a punch. Moor’s Pilsner is a sleeper hit, its unique flavor growing more appealing with each sip. It’s the kind of brew that lingers on the palate, leaving you yearning for more. Without a doubt, it’s earned a spot on my list of must-have brews.

  • Style: German-style Pilsner
  • ABV: 6 %
  • IBUs: 30
  • Brewer: Moor’s Brewing Company, Chicago, Illinois-based, independent black-owned craft brewery
From left to right, a photo of Jamhal Johnson, Damon Patton, and Anthony Bell pose with a can of Moor's Brewing Company. The image links to a story titled: Moors Brewing Success and Pioneering the Path as a Black-owned Brewery, on the Making A Brand website.
From left to right, Jamhal Johnson, Damon Patton, and Anthony Bell, owners of Moor’s Brewing Company.

After tasting Moor’s Brewing Company’s Pilsner, you’ll have a greater respect for the craft and innovation that goes into their brews. You can learn more about their narrative and the pioneering path of their black-owned brewery by reading about them on Makingabrand.co, which I also wrote. Click on the image above to learn about Moor’s Brewing’s rich history and commitment to diversity in the craft beer business. Cheers to discovery, knowledge, and excellence!

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Hell or High Watermelon American wheat beer by 21st Amendment Brewery'

A Hell or High Watermelon Storied Review

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Years ago, my beer journey took a delightful turn with a sip of Hell or High Watermelon from 21st Amendment Brewery. Imagine a scorching summer day, a cozy beer bar by the park, and a group of friends after a satisfying bike ride. As a big fan of wheat beers, stumbling upon a watermelon-infused wheat brew on tap was a pleasant surprise. Curious, I took a sip. And wow, I was hooked.

That first taste sparked a hunt. Like a detective, I searched everywhere, hoping to find that elusive watermelon beer again. But alas, it disappeared like a fleeting summer breeze, leaving me wanting more. However, luck was on my side the following summer when, like an old friend, Hell or High Watermelon showed up again.

Fast forward to today. My palate has grown after sampling many fruity beers, yet I’m still in love with this American wheat. With each sip, memories of that first taste come flooding back. With its delicate, mellow watermelon essence and a crisp finish, Hell or High Watermelon is a quenching delight that’ll have you yearning for another sip.

Even though it’s not always available, I grab it whenever I can, especially in the hot summer months. To be real, a beer this good is worth waiting for. So, if you ever get the chance to try Hell or High Watermelon, consider yourself lucky. Enjoy it, savor it, and let its fruity charm take you to beer heaven. Here’s to the beer that started it all!

    • Style: American wheat brewed with real watermelon

    • ABV: 4.5 %

    • IBUs: 17

    • Seasonal: Available April through September

    • Brewer: 21st Amendment Brewery, San Leandro, California-based, independent craft brewery

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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.
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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.

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A 12-ounce bottle of Whole Hog Brewery's Pumpkin Ale, set against a neutral background, ready for tasting review on the blog 'Denim Beer Machines & Coffee'.

The Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale Review

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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’s 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

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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

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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

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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.
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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.

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