USA, NY: K2 Brothers Brewing acquires Canandaigua-based Young Lion Brewing brand

K2 Brothers Brewing earlier this month opened a huge second location in Wayne County, the Democrat and Chronicle reported on January 23.

Now, the brewery owned by brothers Kyle and Bradley Kennedy has purchased the Canandaigua-based Young Lion Brewing brand. The move comes months after the Other Half Brewing, which has a location in East Bloomfield, purchased the Young Lion brewing facility and lakefront taproom on Lakeshore Drive in Canandaigua.

"The Young Lion brand has had a positive and unique impact on Western and Central New York's craft beer industry,” said Bradley Kennedy, who is president of K2 Brothers, in a statement. “It was a natural fit for K2 to become Young Lion's new home."

This strategic move solidifies a longstanding relationship between K2 Brothers and Young Lion, which dates to at least 2019, two years after both the Young Lion Brewing Co. under owner Jennifer Newman and K2 Brothers opened.

Within the first two years, K2 outgrew its brewing capacity at the original Empire Boulevard location in Penfield and began contracting a few of its flagship beers at Young Lion in October 2019, Newman said.

In May 2023, K2 acquired the former Freewill Elementary School in Walworth to expand production capacity and open a second taproom, which it did in January. Brewing operations are expected to begin in early February.

Until the deal's completion, Young Lion will continue its operations at the Canandaigua location. The deal is expected to close sometime in February.

The Other Half is awaiting approval for its liquor license at the Canandaigua location. Once that happens, the Young Lion brand will be transferred and the Other Half will take over the building on Lakeshore Drive, Newman said.

K2 and Young Lion are working on a limited-release collaboration beer to commemorate this new chapter, which Newman, who is transitioning to K2 so that the brand will continue to be woman-led, said could be ready in early February.

“We are thrilled about this new chapter for Young Lion. In addition to a strong relationship with them, K2 is known for their incredible beer,” Newman said in a statement. “We know they can execute our recipes with the same high quality. I look forward to the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for the brand and am grateful for the support of our friends and customers."

23 January, 2024