VANCOUVER, Canada - February 24, 2009 - Russell Brewing Company, a producer of premium craft beer in Western Canada, is now shipping 6 x 341ml bottles of the award-winning Russell Cream Ale in British Columbia.

“We are pleased to announce that Russell Cream Ale is now available bottles”, said Andrew Harris, President. “We began shipping bottles of our flagship beer this month and will roll out other brands this spring. Russell enjoys a strong draught footprint in BC and with the introduction of bottled products, we are positioning ourselves to take a leadership role in the retail market in BC.”

Russell Brewing Company produces high quality small batch beers to exacting standards. No shortcuts. No preservatives. No pasteurization. Russell uses only the finest Canadian grain, pure Canadian water, imported hops and its own special yeast strain. Russell takes absolute pride in handcrafting unpasteurized premium craft beer 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.

The Russell Brewing Company in BC and the Fort Garry Brewing Company in Manitoba are wholly owned subsidiaries of Russell Breweries Inc. (TSX.V: RB).

For further information please contact:

Brian Harris, CEO
Russell Breweries Inc.
Direct: 604.599.1190 ext.226
Mobile: 778.846.2335
Toll Free: 1.888.363.2337
Email: bharris@russellbeer.com