We hear a lot about homebrewers who’ve taken their passions to “the next level” by jumping into the business and starting a brewery. Josh Hoehl is in the process of doing just that.

Brewer: Steve Beauchesne

Brewery: Beau’s All Natural (Ontario, Canada)

Steve Beauchesne was hustling behind the taps at his tent during the Vermont Brewers Festival when I approached him around 9 p.m. and asked to talk.

No problem, he replied, even as a line 30-people deep were waiting to taste his beer. He had a few extra hands who could cover for him. Sparing a few moments to talk with a beer blogger was no trouble at all.

That’s just how Steve is. Some might call it “Canada-nice,” but I know plenty of people who object to those kinds of generalizations of our friends north of the border. And there is nothing that can be generalized about Steve or his brewery.

Founded five years ago, Beau’s All Natural is a 100% certified organic brewery in Vankleek Hill, Ontario, which is a little more than an hour’s drive west from Montreal. This place proudly proclaims that it is “family run” and “fiercely independent,” and upholds its end of an equal relationship with the community that supports it.

My personal favorites from the Vermont Brewers Festival.

There are all sorts of reasons why brewers choose to participate in festivals.