Our Philosophy

CREATING THEORÓ

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.

The basics

Legacy, Authenticity, and Craftsmanship—these are the high standards we uphold for every THEORÓ tea. If you’re curious, here are some basics we also ensure:

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


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


The experience

Our dedication to being exceptional extends far beyond the tea itself—it encompasses your entire experience:

From the moment you receive each box;
To the making of each infusion;
To the attention we show for every question you might have.

Every detail is thoughtfully crafted, ensuring your tea journey is beautiful, effortless, enriching, and mindful of well-being.

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. So, let’s share a cup and toast to a slower journey through life—a more thoughtful way of living, gathering and being introspective.

Elle Liu, Founder of THEORÓ

Fall 2024


Exceptional Curation

THEORÓ is fine teas only

“Full Court of Fragrance” by Zhao Changqing, a famous poet, lyricist and member of the imperial family of the Song Dynasty (960 to 1279 AD):

Brewing tea, trying fresh water, the clarity of the world revealed, wandering beyond earthly concerns;
Surpassing even the warmth of the golden chamber under tender emotions.
Watching the wind swirl in dance, spending the day sipping lightly and singing softly;
In a gentle intoxication, the beauty turns the song, dispelling all ancient and present sorrows.