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 Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin beer for a review of the best pumpkin beers

Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin Review: Drinking beer with bourbon

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Shipyard Brewing Company’s Smashed Pumpkin immediately announces its presence with a robust pumpkin aroma. It’s not subtle, and that’s a good thing. This beer doesn’t tiptoe around its identity; it wears it with pride.

Shipyard’s Smashed Pumpkin sets itself apart with its aging process. Three months in oak staves from Buffalo Trace and Woodford Reserve Bourbon barrels impart a depth that’s hard to find in other pumpkin ales. The meticulous hand-labeling of each can by Shipyard Brewing Co. is a commendable touch, detailing the year, barrel number, and aging location. It speaks to the brewery’s commitment to quality and the consumer’s experience.

When tasting the beer, a thick mouthfeel and a rich blend of sweet pumpkin flavors are present. Its deep orange visual is a direct nod to its pumpkin origins. And the Bourbon barrel aging? It’s evident. A distinct alcoholic note comes through, which might be jarring for some. Initially, I found it a tad overpowering. However, as I progressed through the can, perhaps influenced by the beer’s strength, my perspective shifted. Woodford Reserve’s touch, a personal favorite bourbon of mine, might be playing its part here. To put it simply, “You’re drinking a bourbon-spiked pumpkin beer; let it ride.”

In conclusion, Shipyard’s Smashed Pumpkin is a beer that commands attention. It’s a bold blend of flavors, craftsmanship, and a dash of bourbon bravado. A standout in a sea of pumpkin ales, it’s a beer experience that lingers, and for all the right reasons.

  • Style: Strong Pumpkin Spice Ale
  • ABV: 10.5 %
  • IBUs: 35
  • Available: Seasonal
  • Hops: Saphir, Willamette
  • Malts: Pale Ale, Whole Wheat, Munich Light
  • Brewer: Shipyard Brewing Company, Portland, Maine-based Family-owned craft beer brewery

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The hem of tailored jeans next to parts of the original leg size shows an example of what it means to have "tapered jeans alterations."
This photo is an example of "tapered jeans alterations." It shows the hem of a pair of selvedge jeans that have been tapered from the inseam to narrow the leg opening. Next to the resized legs of the jeans is the original, wider portion of the jeans leg and discarded denim fabric, which has been cut away from the garment to decrease the leg size.
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What are tapered jeans and pants?

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There are two meanings when it comes to “tapered” as related to jeans, pants, and other garments designed to wear over the legs.

  1. Related to alterations or tailoring: The term “tapered jeans” and “tapered pants” refer to garment bottoms worn over the legs that have been altered to narrow the shape of the legs.
  2. Related to the design or style of a garment: It’s a jean or pant with a leg that narrows dramatically from the knee to the leg opening. Tapered clothing should not be confused with slim-fit or other jeans and pants with legs that gradually decrease in size from the knee to the leg opening.

Example of use (related to alterations): I had my jeans tapered because the legs were too baggy.

Raw denim selvedge jeans that have been tapered using the tapering alterations process to narrow the leg shape. The excess denim from the jeans can be seen in front of the jeans.
Selvedge jeans that have been tapered using the tapering alterations process to narrow the leg shape while shortening the inseam length. The excess denim from the jeans can be seen in the front of the jeans.

Example of use (related to design or style): I bought tapered jeans because I wanted the leg opening to be small enough that the hem wouldn’t cover my shoes.

Lightwash tapered American-made jeans for women by Williamsburg Garment Company
Women’s boyfriend tapered fit jeans
Hope Street men's tapered American-made jeans
Men’s Hope Street tapered jeans

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Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale 12oz. can or beer for review on Denim BMC blog.

Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale review

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With most beers, I can write a review after a few sips. Things pop into my head. I know if it’s a good or bad beer right away. I usually have an idea of what I want to say by the time I finish a bottle or can.

I drank a 6-pack of Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale over a few days, each day wanting to get this review done, but nothing came to me. I gave it a few days off in case I was all pumpkined out, but still nothing inspired me. It’s like I had a beer block with the Smuttynose. For me, there is nothing to spin, good or bad.

I considered purchasing another six-pack to force-feed my thoughts, but instead chose to go on. The only thing I recall about this beer is that it was a little bitter with a pumpkin flavor. I guess I failed on this one. Nothing negative to say. Nothing enlightening. It’s simply a pumpkin beer.

  • Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 5.9%
  • 54 IBUs
  • Seasonal
  • Available in 12-oz Cans
  • New Hampshire-based Craft Brewery

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12-ounce bottle of Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Ale for review of the best pumpkin beers

Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Ale Reviewed

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Before ever trying a pumpkin beer, this is what I imagined a good pumpkin beer would taste like. I could taste the pumpkin and cinnamon on the first sip, and I knew I was drinking a beer. Elysian Night Owl Pumpkin Ale is brewed with pumpkin puree and juice and has a medium body with a mellow sweetness. The finish is crisp, with lingering cinnamon and ginger notes. This beer is more than simply a safe bet for Christmas get-togethers and parties. This is an excellent seasonal beer.

  • Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 6.7%
  • 18 IBUs
  • Seasonal
  • Available in 22 & 12-oz Bottles, 1/2 & 1/6 BBL Kegs, and 12-oz Cans
  • Seattle, Washington-based brewery

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Cover image for TikTok video demonstrating how we expertly taper and take in the waist of jeans for the perfect fit.
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Getting your fit right: Learn how we taper the leg while taking in the waist on jeans

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Do you want to know what sets us apart from the competition when it comes to denim alterations? In our latest TikTok video, you can see how we professionally taper the legs of a pair of jeans while also taking in the waist to make them fit just right.

@williamsburggar Denim heaven. The art of taking in the waist with tapering alterations on jeans. We perfect your fit. #denimyourway #denimhead #denimtailor #taperingjeans #jeanswaist #jeanswaistgap #selvedgedenim ♬ MAMBO OVER THE MOUNTAIN – Rick Hirsch

Make sure to follow us on TikTok to see more informative and entertaining videos. @williamsburggar

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New Belgium's Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin Ale beer in a 12-ounce can with a 6-pack box in the background.

Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin review

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New Belgium Brewing Company’s Voodoo Ranger Atomic Pumpkin Ale does not ease you in. It announces itself immediately—and aggressively. The first sip hits with familiar pumpkin spice notes like nutmeg and cinnamon, but that comfort lasts about half a second. Then the habanero kicks in. There’s a warming burn in the chest, a tingle down the throat, and a clear reminder that yes, this is very much a beer meant to push boundaries.

“Atomic Pumpkin” isn’t clever branding—it’s an accurate description. The heat is real, persistent, and unapologetic, setting this apart from nearly every other pumpkin ale out there. Is it good? That depends on your tolerance for spice. If you enjoy a little punishment with your buzz, or you’re looking for something genuinely different from the usual sweet-and-spiced pumpkin lineup, this one delivers. It’s not subtle, and it’s not trying to be.

Brewed by New Belgium Brewing Company—founded in 1991 in Fort Collins, Colorado, with an additional brewery in Asheville, North Carolina—Atomic Pumpkin fits squarely into their reputation for bold, experimental beers. At 6.4% ABV with low bitterness, the spice does most of the talking, making this a seasonal pumpkin ale that’s as much about sensation as it is flavor. If you’re curious how this heat-forward pumpkin beer stacks up against more traditional takes, check out where Atomic Pumpkin lands in our Fluid List of the Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked.

  • Style: Pumpkin Ale
  • ABV: 6.4%
  • IBUs: 10
  • Seasonal: Fall (Limited Release)
  • Brewer: New Belgium Brewing Company, founded in 1991 in Fort Collins, Colorado, is known for its adventurous approach to brewing and sustainability-driven practices. With breweries in Colorado and North Carolina, New Belgium consistently pushes flavor boundaries through experimental and widely distributed craft beers under brands like Voodoo Ranger.

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