SHELBURNE, Vt. -
Matt Cohen was busy doing what he loves most Wednesday, working on a batch of beer.
The Vermonter worked at Magic Hat for years, but recently decided to try it on his own.
"I'd always dreamed about owning a brewery," said Cohen.
In 2012 he accomplished that by opening Fiddlehead Brewing Company in Shelburne.
And it hasn't taken him long to do well.
"By month 3 I had already exceeded my year 3 predictions," said Cohen.
Cohen isn't the only one doing well.
At least three other breweries in Vermont opened this year.
And Vermont Brewer's Association leaders say the Green Mountain State has the highest concentration of breweries in the country.
To celebrate that, Fiddlehead, and more than 40 others will showcase their products during this weekend's sold out brewer's festival.
To celebrate 20 years, this year's big thing at the festival is collaborative beers.
That means breweries from across the state and even across the country came together to create specialty drinks that you'll only be able to get at this weekend's event.
"This is unique I think that this will be the highest concentration of collaborative beers in the Northeast," said Cohen.
As for why breweries like his continue to thrive in Vermont, Cohen says it's all about the consumers.
"Vermonters really love local products, they seek them out," said Cohen.
Even if Cohen says it means paying a little bit more for that craft beer taste.
Information on the Vermont Brewer's Festival:
http://vtbrewfest.com/index.php
