Introducing THEORÓ

the new standard in fine tea

Rooted in over 3000 years of heritage;
Exceptional curation, sustainably sourced.

A slower journey

In our fast-paced lives, where reflection time is scarce, it’s easy to mistake living ambitiously for living well.

THEORÓ was born from the belief that slowness is the new luxury. Through each sip of tea, we can create moments of intention and elevate ourselves for a more thoughtful life. 

THEORÓ is Fine teas only

Ten renowned Chinese teas, meticulously chosen;
Span across six distinct categories, curated into three collections:

Ritual, Heritage, and Temple.

Exceptional curation

Legacy

Renowned Chinese teas are not merely beverages but cultural TREASURES with unique stories, names and distinct flavor profiles, shaped by their geographical origins, generations of cultivation expertise, and time-honored craftsmanship.

Perhaps you’ve heard of Da Hong Pao or Dragon Well of West Lake? These are just two among the many celebrated teas that carry the weight of cultural LEGACIES.

THEORÓ teas comprise ONLY those with profound cultural significance, each telling a story from the archives of history.

I

Authenticity

ORIGIN, TREE VARIETY & CULTIVAR, TREE AGE, HARVEST DATE, and VINTAGE are the five essential criteria that every fine tea must satisfy to ensure its authenticity.

Just as “FL” or “VVS1” wouldn’t hold much meaning without the “4C” framework in diamond shopping, at THEORÓ, we not only uphold COMPLETE TRANSPARENCY regarding these factors but also provide a structured knowledge framework for each renowned tea.

We aim to EMPOWER you to evaluate the information we provide, thereby appreciating the distinct qualities of each tea and the generations of cultivation expertise involved in every leaf.

II

  • When it comes to fine teas, the adage is “location, location, location.”

    Microgeographic regions make a significant difference. Soil composition, altitude, climate, and weather patterns of each tea’s unique core region all contribute to its distinctive terroir.

    THEORÓ teas come exclusively from the core regions designated for each tea. This signifies not only the best ecological environment but also the reputation and expertise passed down through generations of tea farmers.

  • The tree variety & cultivar play a crucial role in shaping each tea’s specific characteristics. Each species has its preferences for environmental conditions, moreover, only select varieties or cultivars are best suited for each renowned tea.

    THEORÓ teas are exclusively harvested from the most suitable varieties and cultivars.

  • In addition to selecting the right variety and cultivar, the age of the tea tree determines when its leaves are ready for harvest. Each tree has an optimal age range for harvesting, and older isn't always better.

    At THEORÓ, we ensure that each tea is harvested at the ideal tree age.

  • The harvest date is crucial as it reflects seasonal variations in weather and environmental conditions, directly influencing each tea’s appearance, color, aroma, and flavor. Depending on the ecological environment and the varieties or cultivars of a specific year, each tea has its optimal harvest date for achieving the highest grade.

    You may have heard terms like “mingqian,” indicating teas picked before the “Clear and Bright” solar term in early April, or “first flush,” broadly used for spring plucks. However, these terms encompass a wide timeframe and lack precision.

    At THEORÓ, we eschew such marketing tactics and instead specify the exact date and month of harvest for each tea. For select teas, we curate only the very first pluck or the sole pluck of that year.

  • Like fine wine, the vintage of renowned Chinese tea is a quintessential factor. For some teas, it’s crucial to consume them in the year of their production, while others benefit from aging, and some have an optimal range or specific year that enhances their quality.

    THEORÓ teas are meticulously chosen with the ideal vintage.

Craftsmanship

Beyond authenticity, each fine tea embodies unique, time-honored CRAFTSMANSHIP and artisanal processes that uphold its quality, akin to the meticulous methods used in crafting fine Champagne to achieve renowned excellence. The only way to verify this is by experiencing the tea firsthand, and that’s an ESSENTIAL STEP we always take.

Every THEORÓ tea is PERSONALLY tasted to ensure superior appearance, color, aroma, flavor, and endurance among its peers.

III

To partake in tea

Is to convene, whether with strangers or friends;
Is to nurture, both body and mind;
Is to indulge, in the transformation of color, aroma, and flavor;
Is to be, to be introspective of our inner self and connected with nature.

It is not for the masses, but for discerning souls.

Gathering with THEORÓ

Tasting: Immersed in the ambiance of a tea ceremony, within the comfort of a private home;

Parties: Hosted monthly, with a select, intimate group, each centered around a unique theme;

Events: Thoughtfully designed through collaboration, tailored tea experiences that cater to the unique needs of each brand, firm, and individual.

A letter from our founder

As I look back on my childhood in Beijing, memories of tea flood my mind like faded yet vivid montages—playing Chinese checkers with my grandpa amidst the comforting aroma of pu-erh tea emanating from his old glass; watching my mother gracefully manage her affairs while oolong tea gently simmered on her desk; and during late-night Mahjong sessions on Chinese New Year, passing around rounds of green tea to keep the uncles alert. Tea wasn't just a beverage; it was woven into the very fabric of our lives.

When I first set foot in New York City for college, I arrived with just one suitcase, but nestled safely inside was a bottle of my beloved green tea—the Dragon Well of West Lake. With no taste for coffee, it became my faithful companion during countless midterms and finals, helping me stay awake and focused. It was during this time that my family had the privilege of befriending a master of tea. Since then, visiting the tea house in Beijing during school breaks became a cherished tradition. My relationship with tea evolved from a simple pleasure to a profound appreciation of its nuanced flavors and the spiritual journey it offers.

As I settled into life in New York City, sharing my passion for tea and knowledge with friends and family became second nature. It was in these moments that the concept of THEORÓ began to take shape. Inspired by my own journey, I wanted to do more than just introduce you to tea—I seek to deepen your understanding and elevate your appreciation for tea. Like fine wines, the finest teas possess unique aroma, flavor, history, craftsmanships, and stories that enrich our lives. And so, THEORÓ was born.

I seek to share the joy of tea with those who, like me, cherish kindred moments in life and approach each day with intention. If that sounds like you, I would love to hear from you and welcome you to the world of THEORÓ. Now, let’s raise a cup of tea, and cheers to a slower journey through life, and a more thoughtful way of living, gathering and being introspective.

Elle Liu, Founder of THEORÓ

Fall 2024

Exceptional Curation

THEORÓ is fine teas only

“Tea Verse” by Huang T'ing-chien (1045 to 1105 AD), one of the Four Masters of the Song Dynasty (960 to 1279 AD):

Flavors deep, fragrances eternal;
In the realm of intoxicating paths, where perfection blooms.
Just like old friends reunited under lamplight, after journeys spanning endless miles;
Words fail, yet the heart revels in serene introspection.