For the past couple of years, I’ve liked to shine a spotlight on a brewery that I think has truly stood out; one that consistently produces exceptional beers, never cuts corners, and reminds me why I fell in love with beer in the first place.
For 2024, there was only one choice; Green Jack Brewery in Lowestoft.
Nestled on the Suffolk coast, Green Jack might not have the hype of some trendy city breweries, but what it does have is cracking beers that have been brewed with excellence in mind. It’s one of those places where the passion for proper brewing is obvious the moment you walk through the door; no flashy branding or corporate gloss, just great beer made by people who care.
I have to say that I came across these guys quite by chance while on a stay in Norfolk. A recommendation came from a fellow beer lover, The Urban Viking (thanks, Dave), and as I was staying so close to them, I couldn’t resist going to see what all the fuss was about.
I turned up unannounced, but I have to say that they were incredibly welcoming. Their owner, Tim Dunford, was in at the time and took a little while out of his day to show me around and chat about their beers. You can always tell when someone loves what they do; Tim had that look in his eye that said, “We make beer because we can’t imagine doing anything else.”
The brewery is actually based in an old smokehouse, and the whole place just seems to hint at a small team of individuals who are utterly dedicated to producing simple but exceptional quality beers. There’s a down-to-earth charm to it all; no overcomplication, no marketing waffle, just honest brewing.
And if I had to pick one beer that epitomises why I love this brewery? Baltic Trader. A powerful, bold, and utterly mesmerising imperial stout that proves British brewing is alive and well. It pours jet black with a tan head, and the aroma alone could stop you in your tracks; molasses, dark chocolate, roasted malt, and that unmistakable warming booziness that comes with a proper stout. One sip and you know you’re drinking something that’s been made with both care and confidence.
So, let’s talk about why Green Jack is my Brewery of the Year for 2024.
A Brewery That Does It All – And Does It Exceptionally Well
Some breweries are known for one or two standout beers, but for me, Green Jack excels across the board. Whether it’s a crisp wheatbeer, a perfectly balanced best bitter, or a heavyweight imperial stout, every single beer they brew is beautifully crafted and full of character.
What I love most about Green Jack is that they don’t chase trends. They don’t jump on the hazy IPA bandwagon or try to gain favour with flashy can designs. They brew proper beer, the right way, with no gimmicks; just skill, patience, and top-quality ingredients. In a world where every new brewery seems to be releasing a “limited edition” mango milkshake pale every other week, Green Jack’s restraint and focus are deeply refreshing.
Their beers have a confidence about them; the kind that only comes from years of experience and a real respect for brewing tradition. It’s that quiet confidence that says, “We know what we’re doing, and we’re proud of it.”
Their Trawlerboys Best Bitter is a fine example. A beautifully malty, copper-coloured ale with a firm bitterness and a gentle sweetness that makes it endlessly drinkable. It’s the sort of beer you could imagine enjoying in a seaside pub while watching the waves roll in. It’s traditional British beer at its best; no fuss, just flavour.
Then there’s Lurcher Stout, a rich, roasty number with a smooth, velvety texture that feels like a warm blanket on a cold night. Notes of coffee, dark chocolate, and liquorice all blend together, creating something that feels indulgent without being over the top.
And of course, there’s Baltic Trader, their flagship imperial stout that sits proudly among the finest strong beers in the country. At around 10% ABV, it’s not for the faint-hearted, but if you appreciate big, complex flavours, it’s an absolute masterpiece. Imagine molasses, raisins, burnt toffee, and espresso all dancing together in your glass… it’s the sort of beer that makes you slow down and savour every mouthful.
A Proper British Brewery with Heart
One of the reasons I fell for Green Jack is that they represent something that feels increasingly rare; proper, independent British brewing. They’ve been around since 1993, and while many small breweries have come and gone in that time, Green Jack has quietly kept doing what they do best. They’re not chasing hype; they’re not rebranding every six months. They’re simply making great beer and letting the quality do the talking.
Their set-up is traditional but effective. The brewery has its own taproom, a brilliant place where you can try their beers fresh from the source. If you ever find yourself in Lowestoft, it’s absolutely worth the trip. There’s something special about drinking a pint of Trawlerboys just a few feet from where it was brewed. It connects you to the beer in a way that’s hard to describe… but every real ale drinker knows that feeling.
Tim and his team also take pride in using British ingredients wherever possible, supporting local maltsters and hop growers. It’s a nod to tradition and a commitment to quality that shines through in every pint.
Not Tried Them Yet?
If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of drinking a Green Jack beer, do yourself a favour and seek them out.
Whether it’s the boozy brilliance of Baltic Trader, the smooth richness of Lurcher Stout, or the traditional charm of Trawlerboys, you’re in for a treat. You’ll also find their Gone Fishing ESB, Ripper IPA, and Orange Wheat Beer, all showcasing just how versatile this brewery can be.
If you prefer your beer on cask, they’re one of those rare breweries that still take cask conditioning seriously; their beers have that proper hand-pulled, cellar-temperature magic that you just can’t replicate in a can.
And if bottles are more your thing, you can often find them through online retailers or, better yet, order directly from the brewery’s website. It’s always nice knowing that your money’s going straight to the people who brewed your beer rather than disappearing into some faceless corporate system.
Final Thoughts
In a world where beer trends come and go faster than you can pour a pint, Green Jack Brewery stands as a shining example of what British brewing should be about; quality, integrity, and tradition. They’re not trying to reinvent the wheel, just to keep it rolling beautifully.
When I think about why I started writing about beer all those years ago, it was because of breweries like this. Honest people, making honest beer, with pride in every pint.
So here’s to Tim and the team at Green Jack. Thank you for reminding me what great British beer tastes like. Long may you continue brewing the kind of beer that keeps proper drinkers smiling.
If you get the chance, grab yourself a bottle (or three) of Baltic Trader, settle in somewhere quiet, and raise a glass to one of Britain’s best kept secrets. You won’t regret it.
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