What is the Dilmah Seasonal Flush?

Dilmah’s Seasonal Flush teas are quite simply the most exclusive of all teas, and a true tea connoisseur’s dream.

The concept of the rare Seasonal Flush with traceability was initiated by Dilmah in 2007 under the discerning eye of our late founder Merrill J. Fernando. It is an important validation of our uniqueness as tea growers in a category that is dominated by traders and commoditisation. The story behind the tea and its distinctive taste and character are key in connecting Dilmah with the passion and artisanship we value.

Seasonal Flush teas are a decree of Mother Nature, she decides how weather patterns ebb and flow to influence the growing of tender tea leaves to develop their distinct flavour profile. Grown and harvested only when nature allows, each flush captures the nuanced character of its origin, offering a luxurious taste journey for tea lovers. These rare and exquisite teas, guided by tradition and innovation, embody Dilmah’s commitment to authenticity and excellence, appealing to premium tea aficionados seeking an unparalleled tea experience.

Only 14 Seasonal Flush teas have been discovered and launched to the world, with the last being in 2020. On several occasions, the Seasonal Flush has been cancelled for want of proper weather conditions – such is our insistence on perfection and allegiance to nature. This year’s Uva Seasonal Flush will be the 15^th.

Sri Lanka is blessed with two distinct weather systems affecting the tea country at different times. The resulting Dimbula and Uva Seasonal Teas, though rare, are said to be chief amongst the reasons why Ceylon Tea was always considered to be the finest in the world. They are unique in taste, and embody the sense of place and time – terroir in tea – perfectly. Within these seasons appears the phenomenon of the Seasonal Flush.

Uva Seasonal Flush 2024

Sri Lanka’s most remote province boasts one of its most iconic seasonal teas. The Uva Seasonal Flush is a small batch, autumn season tea from Aislaby Estate, which was established in 1920 at an elevation of 1,218 metres above sea level. Warm sunshine, blue skies and dry, windy conditions influenced this year’s seasonal flush, resulting in this typically mellow Uva tea being transformed by seasonal character.

Gunasiri Fernando, a master tea taster who worked alongside the Dilmah Founder for over 30 years, personally oversees the artisanal teamaking of this exceptional tea. From handpicking to withering to rolling, the entire process is strictly managed and takes place within 24 hours. The selective picking of two tender leaves and a bud began after prayers at dawn on 8^th August 2024, and the rolling stage took place at midnight, under the cool night sky.

This is the first Seasonal Flush since 2020 and only 10kg were produced. Each 100g caddy is individually numbered and signed by master tea taster Gunasiri Fernando.

A limited number of caddies will be auctioned online. All proceeds from the Seasonal Flush 2024 Auction will be match-funded by Dilmah and go towards setting up a Dedicated Sensory Integration Room at the MJF Charitable Foundation Centre in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. Once equipped, this therapeutic space will cater to children with learning and physical disabilities, and it will be the first of its kind in the country’s north.