A Suffolk brewing company is celebrating after winning a new national “Beer for Summer” competition.

Green Jack Brewery, based in Lowestoft, saw its Summer Dream ale triumph over four other finalists at the event in London.

Summer Dream (4% alcohol by volume and described as a “floral, dry and hoppy ale brewed with handpicked elderflowers”) will now go on sale at The Draft House, a London chain of craft beer bars.

In addition, Green Jack wins a trip for two to the Budweiser Budvar brewery in the Czech Republic and its beer will also be promoted through the beer industry’s marketing capaign “There’s A Beer For That”.

Among the judges for the competition was Tony Jerome, communications and membership director of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA).

He said: “SIBA is delighted to have supported this contest, which has sought out the best that Britain’s brewers have to offer for the summer: light, golden, delicious beers, ideal for supping in a pub garden or at home with a barbecue.

“Choosing a winner from five great finalist beers, all brewed by SIBA members, was a tough task, but in the end judges felt that Green Jack’s Summer Dream had the edge. The addition of elderflowers makes it a delicious and wonderfully refreshing drink.”

Tim Dunford, managing director and master brewer at Green Jack Brewery, said: “Brewing Summer Dream is a real labour of love, because of the elderflowers; it takes about two days to collect enough for one brew.

“Added to that, elderflowers are only in flower for around eight weeks, so it’s all hands on deck to pick them wherever we can find them and then brew straight away.

“Winning this competition is great recognition for the work that goes into Summer Dream and I’m grateful to everyone at the brewery who has helped us to produce this lovely summer beer.”

The Beer for Summer competition was organised by Imbibe, a magazine for the pub and bar industry, and sought beers which tasted like “summer in a glass”.

The other finalists were: See Side APA from Bison Beer, Brighton (brewed at Vibrant Forest Brewery in Lymington); Sour to the People from By The Horns Brewing Co, London; Swifties Cornish Lager from Keltek Cornish Brewery; and Goddess of the Spring from The Celt Experience, Wales.