Beer

UFO Pumpkin beer review

Published on October 11, 2022

Updated: November 5, 2024

UFO’s Journey To Planet Pumpkin! showcases the brewery’s creativity by blending the smooth, approachable characteristics of a Hefeweizen with the festive flavors of autumn. Utilizing real pumpkin puree, this beer offers a velvety texture that’s enriched by the mild sweetness of pumpkin, balanced elegantly with understated notes of cinnamon and nutmeg. The result is a harmonious mix that respects the light and airy nature of a Hefeweizen while introducing the warm, inviting essence of fall spices.

This approach allows the natural flavors to shine, providing a subtle yet satisfying spice profile that complements rather than competes with the wheat beer foundation. Journey To Planet Pumpkin! stands out as a unique seasonal brew that demonstrates how traditional pumpkin spices can be thoughtfully integrated into a less common beer style for the category.

Ideal for both festive occasions and relaxed evenings, Journey To Planet Pumpkin! is a refreshing choice for those seeking a different kind of pumpkin beer experience—one that merges traditional autumnal tastes with the crisp characteristics of a Hefeweizen. This beer is a delightful nod to the season, perfect for savoring the cooler days and celebrating the fall in an unexpectedly light and flavorful way.

Style: Hefeweizen
ABV: 5.9 %
IBUs: N/A
Brewer: UFO is brewed by the Mass Bay Brewing Company, based in Boston, Massachusetts. UFO is a craft brewery.

Beer

The Pumking of pumpkin beers reviewed

Published on October 1, 2022

Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale by Southern Tier Brewing Company delivers a bold and flavorful pumpkin beer experience. This imperial pumpkin ale pours a deep golden-orange with a foamy off-white head that fades into a thin cap. The aroma is inviting, offering a medley of warm pumpkin pie spices like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg, complemented by subtle vanilla undertones.

The flavor is rich and well-balanced, with pumpkin and spices taking center stage. While the beer leans sweet, it avoids crossing into overly sugary territory, maintaining a smooth and enjoyable profile. The 8.6% ABV adds a gentle warmth to the finish without overwhelming the palate. With its medium body, creamy texture, and moderate carbonation, Pumking is a festive and satisfying choice that highlights the best elements of pumpkin ales.

Want to see where Pumking Imperial Pumpkin Ale ranks on our list of Best Pumpkin Beers Ranked? Be sure to check out the full rankings!

Style: Imperial Pumpkin Ale
ABV: 8.6 %
IBUs: 33
Brewer: Southern Tier Brewing Company, based in Lakewood, New York, is a craft brewery.

Beer

Two Roads Roadsmary’s Baby Pumpkin Ale review

Published on September 25, 2022

According to Two Roads Brewing Company of Stratford, Connecticut, Roadsmary’s Baby is a traditional pumpkin ale aged in rum barrels for added complexity and depth of flavor. It is released in August as a fall seasonal.

I’m not sure about the pumpkin, but this is a good beer. In fact, if I had a blind taste test or if I hadn’t been told what kind of beer it was, I would never guess it was made with pumpkin. Review over.

Seriously, I’d drink this any time, seasonal or not. The only bad thing I can say about it is, “What pumpkin? I don’t taste any pumpkin or spices in this pumpkin beer.” It’s more of a great-tasting beer than a pumpkin ale. It’s smooth, dark, and clean. It kind of reminds me of Negra Modelo (not just because of color), but it feels a little heavier and has a fruity, citrus finish. I guess a better way to put it is that it’s more complicated.

This beer is recommended. Highly recommended!

Imperial Ale ABV: 6.8%
Seasonal
Available in 12-oz Bottles, 12-oz Cans, Growlers, and On Tap
Connecticut-Based Craft Brewery

12-ounce bottle of Long Trail Ale by Long Trail Brewing Company with a Vermont house and woods in the background.

Beer

Long Trail Ale a review made easy

Published on September 24, 2022

My family and I spend a lot of time in Vermont at my in-laws’ house during the fall and winter. For me, it’s a chance to slow down and rest while also doing computer-related work. That means sitting on the couch, catching up on TV shows, drinking beers and whiskey while I write content and update multiple websites.

During my most recent “mini-vacation,” I decided to review a beer from a Vermont brewer. I made my job easier by selecting one of the brands found in my brother-in-law’s refrigerator. The Long Trail Ale by Long Trail Brewing Company was my choice.

I found it malty and sweet, borderline smooth. For me, the beer is borderline tasty because it clashes with bitterness. It has a strong showing on my personal one-bottle buzz meter. After only one bottle, I was nice and relaxed before my whisky chaser.

It’s not a fantastic beer, but it’s adequate. While visiting Vermont, I would gladly order it on draft at any of the local restaurants.

VT IPA ABV: 6% – Available in 12-ounce cans and bottles.

Beer

Samuel Adams Jack-O Pumpkin Ale review

Published on September 23, 2022

I’ve never had a Samuel Adams beer that I didn’t like. This one was different because it was the first time a Sam Adams beer amazed me. I was taken because it was so flavorful. I’m not a pumpkin lover. In fact, this was my first pumpkin beer, and I went into this taste test with the attitude, “Let’s get this over with, so I can at least say I tried it.”

I took the first swallow. My brain got confused. The pumpkin and cinnamon flavors were blowing up inside my mouth. I was having a drink, but it felt like I should really be chewing. It tasted like I was drinking pumpkin pie.

The Samuel Adams Jack-O Pumpkin Ale really knocked my socks off and has started me on a quest to try and review other pumpkin beers. I mean, if there’s another beer out there that’s better, I have to find it.

Poking around the internet, I came across this hilarious SNL parody of a Sam Adams commercial starring Bill Burr. It is also a must-see.

A Saturday Night Live parody of a Sam Adams Jack-O Pumpkin Ale beer commercial featuring Bill Burr

How many beers are so tasty that they deserve a Saturday Night Live skit? I remember laughing at this sketch when I first saw it a few years ago, but today I fully appreciate it. There’s a line about a beer sitting in the fridge for 8 months that hits home. If you haven’t seen this hilarious skit, check it out. And then go out and try Samuel Adams Jack-O Pumpkin Ale. It is a must-buy, must-try seasonal beer.

Close-up of a black vintage Union Special 43200G sewing machine used for chain stitch hemming on jeans

Machines

The Union Special 43200G: A Unicorn or One-Trick Pony?

Published on September 16, 2022

Denim nerds, get ready for a reality check. I’m about to debunk some of the myths and misconceptions about the Union Special 43200G that have been circulated for years by brands, publications, and online communities.

As is the case with many things on the Internet, exaggerated claims can quickly become folklore by the regurgitation of stories that weren’t well thought out from the beginning.

The well-told narrative that the twisting at the hem is caused by a technical error, feed dog flaw, or differential defect in the inner workings of the Union Special 43200G is flawed in and of itself. The roping effect has been overcomplicated to the point where denim fans who don’t know any better will believe that the Union Special 43200G is the only sewing machine capable of producing twisted and puckered hems with chain stitch hemming.

In my research into what denim enthusiasts are being led to believe, I easily discovered statements that I believe are misleading or false. Here are a few examples:

“Any Union Special without the folder will not create the roping effect.”

“There is only one way to chain stitch a selvedge denim hem and that’s on a folder equipped Union Special 43200g. Why you ask? These machines create a desirable roping effect on the hem which is actually caused by a feed differential defect.”

“Roping comes from the 45 degree angle of break-in that makes the hem look like a rope. It’s become part of true denim DNA. Without it, jeans don’t look right to us. And the crazy thing is this comes from a flaw in the Union Special that makes it create a slight twist.”

“Union Special company seems to have replaced the 43200G with other machines in a quest to replicate the same stitch and make it easier to use the machine but this has reduced the tension on the thread. This means you don’t achieve the same roping/puckering as you would with the original.”

In reality, the roping effect is simply caused by seams that are not lined up.

Example of a misalignment of both seams on a jeans hem will cause a shift and rotation in the direction of the misalignment. This is the roping effect on denim. — The graphic shows how misaligned hem seams create a shift and rotation. This is the roping effect on denim.

The roping effect is simply caused by seams at the face and undersides of the hem not being lined up. Twisting occurs when the inseams shift in one direction, resulting in the roping effect. The effect becomes more visible with aging and washing. Sometimes factories do this unintentionally, and other times a brand’s designers may request a factory do it on purpose. Most factories make an effort to align the seams, which may be the reason why most jeans do not exhibit a significant degree of twisting.

Close-up example of the roping effect on a pair of light-washed Levi's jeans with chain stitch hemming and frayed hem. — Example of the roping effect on a pair of light-washed Levi’s jeans with chain stitch hemming and frayed hem.

Furthermore, the stitch type is not a factor in creating the twists and puckers, as seen in the reference example photo below. I, too, was once swayed by rumors and stated in my tapering video that the tension of chain stitching contributes to the roping effect.

Busting the myth that the Union Special 43200G does not cause roping effect by showing twisting on a hem sewn with a lockstitch machine. — These hems without chain stitching show that the puckers and twists that make up roping are not caused by the type of stitch.

Don’t misunderstand me. I think the well-beloved Union Special 43200G is a beautiful old sewing machine. However, production was halted for a reason. It was most likely not due to a differential flaw, cheaper lockstitching, or other nonsense being repeated or made up. The truth is that it only does one function. Although it performs well, some sewing machines can perform the same function as well as other operations.

Black vintage Union Special 43200G sewing machine used for hemming denim jeans. — Black vintage Union Special 43200G sewing machine. Photo courtesy of Joswick denim.

Purchasing a sewing machine that only does one thing over machines that do multiple tasks equally well or better is a bad idea for factories that must make sound economic decisions. This is most likely why production was halted, as with most discontinued products.