IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vancouver, BC - August 25th, 2008 - Russell Brewing launches the new BC Lions Lager brand today. This landmark partnership marks the first time that a Canadian professional sports team has partnered with a microbrewery to develop a proprietary beer brand.

"We are very excited to introduce the BC Lions Lager brand" said Andrew Harris, President Russell Brewing Company. “Similar to developing a winning football team, it takes time, consistency and a commitment to excellence to create a top-notch beer. Brewed right here BC, we've developed a crisp, clean, natural beer with no additives or preservatives for BC's sports enthusiasts. It is great-tasting and easy to drink a BC beer that fans could proudly get behind". 12-pack cans of BC Lions Lager will be available at a recommended price of $20.25/12-pack through government and private liquor stores throughout the province of BC.

"We are proud to partner with Russell Brewing to launch the BC Lions Lager" says George Chayka, Vice President, Business for the BC Lions. "This initiative is an example of the kind of marketing program we had in mind when we decided to partner with BC-based Russell Brewing as the Official Beer of the BC Lions. While Russell is committed to producing high-quality, natural beer and servicing their customers at the highest level, they are also helping us extend the BC Lions brand, reaching our fans throughout the province in unique and impactful ways."

For more information on BC Lions Lager visit, www.beerofchampions.com.

More on Russell Brewing Company:
Russell Brewing Company produces unpasteurized premium craft beer in BC. In 2006, Russell was recognized as BC's fastest growing brewery by the BC Liquor Distribution Branch. In 2007, Russell Brewing was named the 'Official Beer of the BC Lions' with a three-year exclusive pouring rights contract at BC Place Stadium. Using all natural ingredients and traditional beer making techniques, Russell beer is brewed for people who love "real" beer. Products include: Russell Cream Ale, Russell Pale Ale, Russell Honey Blonde Ale, Russell Extra Special Lager plus two seasonal brews, Russell Lemon Ale and Russell Winter Porter. Russell Brewing Company and Fort Garry Brewing Company are wholly owned subsidiaries of Russell Breweries Inc. (TSX.V: RB).

More on the BC Lions Football Club:
For more than 50 years, the BC Lions have been a football power and sporting tradition in British Columbia. As a member club of the Canadian Football League since 1954, the Lions are dedicated to providing exemplary service to our customers, community partners, employees, fans, season ticket holders, sponsors, players and the media. Clinching the 2006 West Championship in front of more than 50,000 orange-clad fans at BC Place, the Lions went on to win the Grey Cup, the fifth in club history. For more information, visit bclions.com. For more information, please contact:

Brian Harris
CEO Director,
Russell Brewing Company
(778) 846-2335 or (604) 599-1190 bharris@russellbeer.com


Jamie Cartmell
Director, Communications
BC Lions Football Club
(604) 930-5469 or (778) 558-0761
jcartmell@bclions.com