You’re driving down Lakeshore Drive in Canandaigua, the sun is hitting the water just right, and you see that massive building. It’s hard to miss. Young Lion Brewing Company basically defined the modern craft beer scene in this corner of the Finger Lakes for years. But honestly, if you’ve been following the local news lately, things look a lot different than they did when those big glass doors first swung open in 2017.
The lake is still there. The building is still there. But the "Young Lion" name? That's a bit more complicated now.
What Actually Happened to Young Lion Brewing Canandaigua?
Let's get the big elephant out of the room first. If you show up looking for the original Young Lion crew, you’re going to find a different sign on the door. In late 2023, a massive shift happened in the local business landscape. Other Half Brewing, which is basically the "cool kid" of the Northeast IPA scene, officially took over the Young Lion Brewing Canandaigua facility.
It wasn't exactly a hostile takeover or anything dramatic like that. It was more of a passing of the torch. Young Lion had built this incredible, high-capacity production facility—we’re talking a 30-barrel brewhouse—that was almost too big for a single local brand to manage while also trying to keep a taproom vibe intimate. Other Half, meanwhile, needed more space to fuel their global expansion.
It made sense. It was a business move that saved the space from becoming another vacant lakeside warehouse.
You’ve gotta respect what the founders did, though. Jennifer Newman and her team took a massive risk on that location. Before they moved in, that area of the lakefront was... well, it wasn't exactly a "destination." They helped turn Canandaigua’s north shore into a place where people actually wanted to hang out, sip a Pilsner, and watch the boats come in.
The Layout and Why It Still Matters
The architecture of the space is still one of its biggest selling points. Even under the new Other Half management, the bones of Young Lion Brewing Canandaigua remain. You have that incredible second-floor terrace. If you haven't sat up there during a July sunset with a cold beer in your hand, you’re genuinely missing out on one of the best views in Ontario County.
The facility was designed to be industrial yet welcoming. Huge windows. Steel beams. High ceilings that make the place feel like a cathedral dedicated to hops. When it was Young Lion, they leaned hard into the "Lion" branding—lots of gold and black. Now, the vibe is a bit more minimalist and "Brooklyn-meets-Upstate," which is the Other Half aesthetic.
The Beer: Then and Now
Young Lion was known for being approachable. They weren't trying to blow your palate out with 12% ABV triple IPAs every single day. Their Pilsner was a staple. It won a silver medal at the World Beer Cup in 2022. That’s a big deal. For a local brewery in a small city like Canandaigua to beat out thousands of other entries globally? It proved they knew their chemistry.
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They also did a Mexican Lager that was basically summer in a glass.
But things change. Since the transition, the tap list at the old Young Lion Brewing Canandaigua spot has shifted toward the "hype beer" crowd. You’re seeing more of those hazy, juicy IPAs that Other Half is famous for—think Broccoli or Green Diamonds. It’s a different experience. Some locals miss the simplicity of the original lineup, while others are thrilled they don't have to drive to Bloomfield or Rochester to get their hands on specific Other Half releases.
Why the Location is So Strategic
Canandaigua is the "Chosen Spot." That’s what the name actually means in Seneca. And for a brewery, being at the north end of the lake is like holding the winning lottery ticket. You get the boaters. You get the tourists from the Finger Lakes Hotel. You get the locals who are just sick of being stuck in the house during the winter.
Young Lion Brewing Canandaigua capitalized on the "staycation" trend before it was even a buzzword. They realized that people don't just want a beer; they want an environment. By building right next to the CMAC (Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center) crowd, they ensured a steady stream of thirsty concert-goers every summer.
The Impact on the Finger Lakes Craft Scene
You can't talk about this place without talking about the broader context of New York beer. The Finger Lakes is world-famous for Riesling, sure. But the "beer trail" has become a legitimate rival to the wine tours. Young Lion was a pillar of that movement.
When they opened, they were part of a wave that included places like Peacemaker Brewing and Naked Dove. They helped establish Canandaigua as a legitimate hub, not just a stop on the way to Geneva or Hammondsport.
The transition to Other Half is actually a sign of the market maturing. It shows that the infrastructure Young Lion built was high-quality enough to attract one of the most respected craft brands in the country. It’s a validation of Jennifer Newman’s vision, even if the brand itself has moved into a new phase.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Transition
There’s a common misconception that Young Lion just "failed." That’s not really the whole story. In the craft beer world, scaling is incredibly difficult. You reach a point where you either have to go huge or stay tiny. Young Lion built a "huge" facility. By partnering with Other Half, the production capacity is being utilized to its fullest extent, which is actually better for the local economy. It keeps jobs in Canandaigua. It keeps the lights on in that massive building.
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Also, it’s worth noting that the Young Lion brand didn't just vanish into thin air. They shifted their focus. You can still find their cans in various retail locations across the state. They adapted. In business, adapting is the only way to survive.
Planning Your Visit to the Canandaigua Lakefront
If you’re heading out there this weekend, here’s the deal. The address is 24 Lakeshore Drive. It’s right near the pier.
Parking can be a bit of a nightmare on Saturdays in July. Honestly? Just park a few blocks away and walk. The stroll along the water is half the point of going there anyway.
The taproom still has that great indoor-outdoor flow. Even if it’s technically Other Half now, everyone in town still refers to it in relation to its history. You’ll hear people say, "Meet me at the old Young Lion spot."
- The View: Still 10/10.
- The Vibe: A bit more crowded and "hype-heavy" than it used to be.
- The Food: They usually have food trucks or small bites, but check their social media before you go because it changes constantly.
Why You Should Still Care About the Young Lion Legacy
The legacy of Young Lion Brewing Canandaigua is one of female leadership in a male-dominated industry. Jennifer Newman was a powerhouse in the NYS Brewers Association. She didn't just build a brewery; she built a community. She advocated for better laws for small brewers and helped put Canandaigua on the map for something other than just lake houses and tourism.
That spirit of "let’s build something big here" is still present in the building. When you walk in, you can feel that it wasn't a corporate project designed by a committee. It was a dream that took up residence in a stunning piece of real estate.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Trip
If you want the best experience at the Canandaigua lakefront, don't just wing it.
First, check the concert schedule at CMAC. If there’s a big show, the brewery area will be packed. If you hate crowds, go on a Tuesday or Wednesday. The vibe is much more "Old Canandaigua" then—quiet, reflective, and peaceful.
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Second, if you’re a fan of the original Young Lion beers, look for them at local Wegmans or specialized bottle shops like AJ's Beer Warehouse in Rochester. They are still out there.
Lastly, take the time to walk the pier after your pint. There’s a reason this specific spot was chosen for a multi-million dollar brewery. The connection between the water and the community is real. Whether it's Young Lion or Other Half, the soul of the place is defined by the lake.
Go for the beer, but stay for the sunset. You won't regret it.
If you're planning a full weekend, consider hitting up the other spots in the "Canandaigua Commons" area. The Star Cider cidery is just a short drive away if you want to switch things up from grain to apple. The whole ecosystem of the north end has blossomed, and it really all started with that one "Young" lion taking a chance on a big empty lot by the water.
Support the local taps, tip your servers well, and enjoy the fact that we have world-class brewing happening right in our backyard. The industry is changing, but the quality has never been higher.
To make the most of your visit:
- Check the Tap List Online: Both the current resident and local bottle shops update their lists on Untappd. Look for the Young Lion Pilsner if you want a taste of history.
- Time Your Arrival: Aim for 4:00 PM on a Friday to snag a seat on the upstairs deck before the post-work rush.
- Explore the Shoreline: Use the public walkways to see the new development happening around the brewery; it's a glimpse into the future of the city.
- Local Pairings: Grab a pizza from a nearby local shop—many allow you to bring outside food or have specific partnerships with the taproom.
The transition of Young Lion Brewing Canandaigua is a case study in how the craft beer world evolves. It’s not always about a brand lasting forever in one spot; sometimes it’s about the foundation they leave behind for the next chapter of the community.