The days are growing shorter and the night air has an unmistakable nip. Another summer soon will depart, leaving behind tan lines, empty cans and lots of great memories. As the tops of the trees start to turn orange and everything begins to smell of pumpkin spice, we say farewell to the beers of summer and welcome in the flavors of fall.

For many of us, we start and end our days with the simple joys of one of two brewed beverages - coffee or beer. Mornings begin with the familiar smell of roasty, robust coffee beans giving up their intense flavor and aroma to the hot water as it passes through the grounds. The end of the day brings the hiss of an opening can or bottle and the effervescent sound as the liquid fills your chosen beer glass. These two brewed staples, coffee and beer, have become an integral part of day-to-day life, and it is time they join together to make sweet, sweet magic!

Salty beer? Sounds gross, doesn't it? What if I told you it is actually delicious? You would think I'm a crazy person. Well, I am most likely not a crazy person (jury is still out on that one) but I can tell you for certain that Gose, a lightly-salted, sort-of-sour, coriander-laden beer that originated from Germany is, in fact, delicious.

Hit the trail

BANGORWaterfront Concerts along with five of the finest craft brewing companies in Maine - Geaghan Brothers Brewery, Sebago Brewing Company,Orono Brewing Company,Gneiss Brewing CompanyandRising Tide Brewinghave joined forces to bring you'The Soulful Brew Collaboration'as an added component to the'Wheels of SoulTour'featuringTedeschi Trucks Band, Los Lobos and North Mississippi Allstarsthat will take place at theDarling's Waterfront Pavilion onFriday, July 15th.