Russell Brewery Mash Tun

Russell Brewery Through 19 Years of Balance and Innovation

Russell Brewing Brewers Kevin Wilson and Jay R.

 

2014_05_BMBC-8222The Russell Brewing Company opened their doors way back in 1995 with the vision of brewing delicious craft beer for BC enthusiasts. Well, today the doors are much bigger and that same passion can be found on the brewery floor. The Rusell Brewery address has not changed but slowly and strategically this Surrey based brewery has been taking over the industrial complex which they call home. What started as a single unit now takes up 4 with additional growth on the horizon. Russell is also in the unique situation where they have a sister brewery, Fort Garry Brewing located in Manitoba. This larger scale sibling has allowed for greater penetration across Canada and is a symbiotic relationship in size, scope and distribution.

2014_05_BMBC-8179Located in Surrey BC Brewers Kevin Wilson and Jay R. work with a 30 Hectolitre brewhouse to create BC’s longstanding favourites such as the Angry Scotch Ale, Blood Alley Bitter, IP-Eh and Cream Ale. Under new ownership and with a revitalized brewing force the team is also able to experiment with new styles and ideas such as the recently released Hoppy Hefeweizen which is their most successful seasonal release to date. With the new Hop Therapy ISA coming to market in cans as we speak, it too will surely be a great success. Balance and innovation moves Russell brewing from point A to point B. Staying true to their beliefs and maintaining what the brewery’s ideals have been based on from day 1 while still pushing the boundaries of craft beer tradition has created an environment for continued success.

2014_05_BMBC-8193Pulling up to Russell Brewery and meeting general manager Steve Schafer the first thing that is very apparent is that the brewery is about people, relationships and community. With music blasting through the facility and employees working with a jump to their step it is clear that this team loves what they do. Excitement around the industry, product and opportunity  oozes from every nook and cranny which has translated to longevity and success. So much of the BC Craft brewing success seen in recent years comes from the passion within the industry and the partnerships that have been formed along the way. Steve, Kevin, Jay R. and the entire team at Russell are not here to make it rich, and they are not here for honour, they are here to do what they love and bring quality, consistent and unique craft beer to the people they care about most – Craft Beer enthusiasts!

2014_05_BMBC-8218Beyond BC and even Manitoba the Russell Brewing Company has made a jump and entered the Chinese market to share the joy of BC Craft Beer abroad. Russell’s latest growth has come in the form of a Brewpub in the small town of Hefei, China. This small town (by Chinese standards) of 6 million people can now find authentic Russell beer for their enjoyment. Basing this expansion on Canadian roots and bringing the flavours of Canada to China, Russell Brewing has yet again used their guiding principles of balance and innovation to grow while sharing their passion for what they do.

Russell Brewery Can Washing

In the rapant growth of BC Craft Beer the Russell Brewing Company has stayed true to their ideals while growing her at home and internationally. If you are looking for a rock solid organization and quality craft beer to match, Russell is your ticket! Watch for more great things to come from this longstanding BC Craft Brewer and the industry as a whole which they have helped to shape over the past two decades!

 

 

About Author

Dustan Sept

Dustan Sept is the founder of Beer Me BC. His passion for craft beer drove the creation of beermebc.com in 2012. To learn more about the beermebc.com editorial team visit beermebc.com/the-beer-me-bc-team/.

Comments

  1. Russell Hop Therapy ISA | Oh Beautiful Beer 12 June, 2014, 15:43

    […] These last two photos come from Beer Me BC’s feature on Russell Brewing. […]

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  2. mikescraftbeer
    mikescraftbeer 16 June, 2014, 18:32

    Very cool. Still have not made it out to visit Russell yet.

    Reply this comment
  3. Anonymous
    Anonymous 8 October, 2016, 19:58

    Punch Bowl North West IPA is the Best!

    Reply this comment

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