Learn about the Seasonal Flush by Dilmah, quite simply the most exclusive of all teas, where luxury is crafted by nature
The Uva Seasonal Flush was enjoyed by tea planters for over a century, although it was only in 2007 that Dilmah sought to share the rare tea as an expression of the art and pride of teamakers. It was done with the passionate involvement of Dilhan C. Fernando’s father, the late Merrill J. Fernando, Founder of Dilmah. As a tea grower with a commitment to authenticity and a heart of kindness, sharing the taste adventure, natural goodness and ethical purpose in fine tea is important for ethical, family tea company Dilmah’s in a category dominated by traders and commoditisation.
There is a story of natural biodiversity and craftsmanship behind every fine tea and the distinctive taste and character in each traditional, orthodox tea that maintains purity of origin are framed in the passion and artisanship that customers around the world value. Grown and harvested only when nature permits, the Dilmah Seasonal Flush elegantly expresses that art and the fingerprint of nature, and it perfectly aligns with the 21st century notion of conscious, natural luxury.
Ceylon Tea acquired its desirability as a result of a collective focus on high quality teas made in the traditional, orthodox way, in a country that is blessed with rich, natural biodiversity. It is that which crafts aroma and taste in fine tea. From amongst the seven tea growing regions of Ceylon, teas grown in the remote Uva region were known for their pleasantly mellow character. During the autumnal, southwest monsoon, however, they are transformed for a brief moment – dry and dessicating winds barrel through the mountainous region, causing a natural seasonal, wintergreen character in the teas. This rare and exotic seasonal character expresses the fingerprint of nature in teas that are made with respect to nature – handpicked and handmade in the artisanal, orthodox style.
Dilmah first offered the Uva Seasonal Flush in 2007, although a warming climate meant the perfect combination of climatic factors did not happen for the past give years. That makes this Uva Seasonal Flush 2024 particularly special. As Dilhan explained, the Uva Seasonal Flush 2024 presents the fingerprint of nature, offering a rare taste of a tea fashioned by climatic factors that last only a few days.
Tea tasters at Dilmah taste over 10,000 teas each week, and over the past 39 years, only 14 Seasonal Flush teas have earned that accolade at Dilmah and presented to the world, the last in 2020. On most occasions, the Seasonal Flush has been cancelled for want of proper weather conditions, and lack of the seasonal personality – this is the emphasis on perfection and respect for nature at Dilmah. This year’s Uva Seasonal Flush will be the 15th. These rare teas, guided by nature, tradition and innovation, embody Dilmah’s commitment to authenticity and excellence – following in the founder’s legacy ‘To Make the World A Better Tea’.
