Maurice Malone

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African American denim designer and fashion brands owner Maurice Malone speaking to students in denim class at Parson School of Design
A 16 oz can of Scythe Pumpkin Ale by The Drowned Lands Brewery. The can is earthy orange with minimalist line art and text, describing it as a 5.7% ABV Foeder Fermented Pumpkin Ale brewed in Warwick, NY.

A Perfectly Balanced Review of The Drowned Lands Scythe Pumpkin Ale

The Drowned Lands Scythe Pumpkin Ale stands out as a refined, well-rounded example of a pumpkin ale, capturing the essence of fall with impressive depth and restraint. Pouring a warm, vibrant copper-orange, it greets you with an aroma of fresh pumpkin pie spices that feels like a cozy embrace. Lively carbonation balances its smooth, slightly creamy texture, creating a soft, easy-to-drink mouthfeel.

Crafted with a mix of Vienna, Munich, Biscuit, Red Wheat, and Spelt malts, this ale carries subtle notes of toasted bread and biscuit that evoke a pie crust. This rich malt backbone is skillfully complemented by real pumpkin and a thoughtful blend of spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove—added after fermentation. The spice profile is bold but doesn’t overwhelm, bringing warmth and complexity to each sip without turning too sweet or overly spiced.

One of the unique elements here is the restrained finish; there’s a gentle dryness that lingers, preventing any cloying aftertaste and leaving you with a balanced, flavorful experience. Scythe’s 5.7% ABV makes it a great choice for leisurely fall afternoons or evening gatherings, offering just enough body and richness to feel satisfying without becoming heavy. The Drowned Lands has created a pumpkin ale that beautifully balances flavor with drinkability—perfect for those who want something nuanced yet packed with autumnal character.

  • Style: Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 5.7 %
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Brewer: The Drowned Lands Brewery, based in Warwick, New York, is a craft farm brewery
16 oz can of Dorchester Brewing Company’s Pie Fight! Pumpkin Ale on a white background, featuring vibrant and playful artwork with cartoon pumpkin and pie illustrations.

Sweet Simplicity: Reviewing Dorchester Brewing’s Pie Fight! Pumpkin Ale

Dorchester Brewing Company’s Pie Fight! Pumpkin Ale offers a notably light and sweet take on the pumpkin ale genre. This brew pours with an essence reminiscent of a subtle autumn dessert rather than a bold seasonal ale. The pumpkin and spice flavors you might expect are understated, contributing to an overall impression of mildness that some may find too close to being diluted. The sweetness is present, yet it doesn’t fully compensate for the subdued pumpkin character.

On a positive note, Pie Fight! does finish smoothly without any lingering bitterness, which is a pleasant departure from many other spiced craft ales. The aroma hints at pumpkin pie spices and a touch of pie crust, evoking a sense of fall’s comfort but not overpowering the senses. The mouthfeel is light, akin to a soft malt cider, making it quite drinkable despite its lack of complexity.

While Dorchester Brewing aims for a pumpkin-spiced pie in a glass, balancing it with the maltiness of an amber ale and a custom spice blend, the execution leans more towards simplicity. This ale might appeal to those seeking a milder pumpkin ale experience without the robust earthy or vanilla nuances that add depth to other seasonal offerings. For anyone looking for an easy-drinking autumn beer that nods to the season without overwhelming the palate, Pie Fight! Pumpkin Ale could be a refreshing choice. Check out where it ranks in our Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked list for more insights.

  • Style: Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 5.3 %
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Brewer: Dorchester Brewing Company, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is a craft brewery.

Close-up of professional pant hemming, showing the pressing process after sewing. The image is part of a video tutorial by Denimbmc.com on how to hem pants correctly.
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How to Hem Pants by a Pro

When it comes to hemming pants, maintaining the original look is key. Many tailors use what’s known as an “original hem alteration,” where they cut off the hem and reattach it with an added seam. But let’s be honest—that’s a poor man’s alteration technique. It compromises quality, especially for pants that aren’t distressed jeans. Following the manufacturer’s original stitching and details is the only way to ensure a professional result. Anything less can cost you discerning customers once they notice the poor craftsmanship inside their pants.

In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to hem pants professionally. If you have an industrial sewing machine, you’ll be able to follow along—just make sure you have the correct thread and needle sizes. These details matter, and most tailors overlook them.

If you’re using a home machine, the techniques I cover can work for lighter fabrics, but for heavyweight pants or workwear, a home machine won’t cut it. These require heavier thread and larger needles, and home machines typically don’t have the power to punch through tough fabrics like industrial machines do.

For those looking for a trusted professional to hem your pants, you’ve come to the right place. Williamsburg Garment Company is the nationwide leader in denim, workwear, and knit alterations. We specialize in giving you flawless, professional results—without any visible signs of alteration. Using factory-level machines and techniques, we deconstruct and reconstruct garments to preserve their original look and quality.

We may not be the fastest or the cheapest, but we’re committed to providing the best possible fit and finish. And we’ve made it simple to order alterations from anywhere. If you can order pizza online, you can order professional alterations from us. Just head over to WilliamsburgGarment.com and get started with a few clicks.

This image displays a 12 oz bottle of Southern Tier Brewing Company’s Caramel Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale, highlighting the label’s distinct pumpkin-themed design. The beer, known for its strong caramel, pumpkin, and spice flavors, has a higher alcohol content (8.6% ABV) and appeals to those who enjoy sweet, dessert-like beers. The pumpkin-headed mascot on the label emphasizes the playful and seasonal aspect of this imperial ale.

Review of Southern Tier Brewing Company’s Caramel Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale

Southern Tier Brewing Company’s Caramel Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale delivers a bold blend of caramel, pumpkin, and spices, making it a unique choice for those who enjoy sweeter, stronger beers. The beer starts with a punch of caramel that dominates the flavor, almost candy-like in its intensity, but this sweetness tends to overshadow the pumpkin and spice elements that should balance the profile. If you’re a fan of caramel-heavy flavors, this one might be for you, but for others, it might come off as a bit artificial.

A 12 oz bottle and a glass of Southern Tier Brewing Company's Caramel Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale on a cutting table at Williamsburg Garment Company.

The beer finishes with a noticeable alcohol warmth and a bitter edge that contrasts with the sweetness. While it’s certainly not a subtle beer, it offers an intense experience that could appeal to those who prefer dessert-like brews. However, the overpowering caramel and artificial sweetness make it a bit too much for my palate, so I only revisit it once a year to see how it holds up. If you’re curious where this beer lands among the best pumpkin ales, check out our Pumpkin Beers Ranked post for the full list.

  • Style: Imperial Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 8.6 %
  • IBUs: 28
  • Brewer: Southern Tier Brewing Company, based in Lakewood, New York, is a craft brewery.

12 oz bottle of Flying Dog Brewery’s The Fear Imperial Pumpkin Ale against a white background, showcasing its vibrant label with a snarling dog illustration.

Review: Rethinking Flying Dog’s The Fear Imperial Pumpkin Ale

Year after year, I’ve revisited Flying Dog Brewery’s The Fear Imperial Pumpkin Ale, always leaving it unreviewed due to my previous disinterest. However, something changed with this year’s batch. Whether it’s a tweak in the brewing process or a shift in my own tastes after sampling so many pumpkin beers, I found myself appreciating it anew. The usual bitterness in the finish seemed toned down, yet it retained a rich, robust body with subtle undertones of pumpkin and spice. It deftly masks its 9% ABV well, making the drinking experience surprisingly smooth.

12-ounce bottle of Flying Dog Brewery's The Fear Imperial Pumpkin Ale next to a glass filled with the dark beer, showcased on a countertop with a blurry background emphasizing the beer's creamy head and rich color.

Dark, rich black ales aren’t usually something that I pick from the shelves, but The Fear has grown on me. It’s compelling enough that I wouldn’t hesitate to order another round. It’s proof of its solid construction as an imperial pumpkin ale, which I look forward to revisiting every year. The 2024 batch gets a definite thumbs up. With a blend of Carabrown, Midnight Wheat, Chocolate, and Vienna malts, complemented by Warrior and Willamette hops, this brew skillfully balances a spice-forward profile without tipping into overt sweetness. Here’s to more pleasant surprises in the seasons to come!

  • Style: Imperial Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 9 %
  • IBUs: 45
  • Brewer: FX Matt Brewing Company, based in Utica, New York, is a family-owned brewery

Read our blog post “A Fluid List: The Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked,” to find out where The Fear Imperial Pumpkin Ale, ranks in our top pumpkin beers list.

The product is a 16-ounce can of Gourdgeous Pumpkin Ale by Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co., which features orange packaging with white pumpkin illustrations against a white background.

Review of Gourdgeous Pumpkin Ale by Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co.

Gourdgeous Pumpkin Ale by Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co. is a solid choice for pumpkin beer lovers, though it doesn’t quite reach the top tier. This ale offers a mild sweetness balanced with a pleasant spice kick, featuring notes of nutmeg, cinnamon, and a hint of candied yams. The warm pie crust finish rounds out the flavor profile nicely, and the 6.1% ABV provides a gentle warmth without overpowering the other elements.

While it might not be the most standout pumpkin ale on the market, it holds its own and sits comfortably in the middle of the pack. If you appreciate pumpkin beers, Gourdgeous Pumpkin is worth picking up. You can’t go wrong with a four-pack for the season. Are you curious to see where Gourdgeous Pumpkin Ale ranks among the best pumpkin beers? Check out our Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked list for more insights.

  • Style: Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 6.1 %
  • IBUs: N/A
  • Brewer: Mighty Squirrel Brewing Co., Waltham, Massachusetts-brewed, craft brewery
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