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:

  • All THEORÓ teas are hand-picked during their peak harvest season—some by generations of skilled tea farmers, others by monks from remote Buddhist temples.

  • THEORÓ teas are crafted using only the finest leaves and buds, artfully made through various stages of craftsmanship. Depending on the type of tea, some undergo multiple phases, with a combination of over ten intricate steps.

  • The distinctive color, aroma, and flavor of all THEORÓ teas are naturally developed through the meticulous craftsmanship they undergo. This is why our teas are able to withstand many more infusions.

    If a tea does not meet our high standards for color, aroma, flavor, and endurance—a standard we hold dear—we simply do not include it, rather than masking its shortcomings with additional flavors, extracts, or preservatives (whether natural or artificial).

    Beyond wellness considerations, the use of added flavors, extracts, or preservatives is one of the main reasons why some teas lack endurance, as these components often dissolve quickly in the first infusion.

  • THEORÓ teas are suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences and restrictions. Whether you follow a kosher, halal, vegan, or paleo diet, you can enjoy our tea with confidence.

    If you follow a specific diet that isn’t listed here, join our Discord community and ask—we’re always happy to answer your questions!

  • THEORÓ teas are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free.

    If you have allergies or avoid specific ingredients that aren’t mentioned here, join our Discord community and ask—we’re always happy to answer your questions!

  • All THEORÓ teas are directly sourced—whether from small tea farms, generational tea makers, or remote Buddhist temples—and are fully traceable.

    We’ve engraved their origin on the back of each box and listed it on each product page.

  • At THEORÓ, we take great pride in offering full transparency for each fine tea we sell.

    From origin, tree variety, and vintage, to brewing methods, history, and craftsmanship—our goal is to empower you with knowledge so that you can make informed choices when selecting your tea, without any gatekeeping of this information.

    Be sure to join our Discord or follow us on Instagram, where we share tea-related inspiration, wisdom, wellness tips, and insights, and are happy to answer any questions you may have!

  • Each and every THEORÓ tea is personally tasted, selected, and curated as part of our collections.

    Sometimes we get lucky and find the right tea after tasting just a dozen or a couple hundred. Other times—like with Ritual Black—we tasted well over a thousand black teas before choosing this particular one.

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

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.

  • The THEORÓ tea box is designed with the intention that it can serve as a decorative object in your home. we encourage you to display (avoid direct sunlight) them rather than store them away.

    • Front cover: Each tea is paired with a unique ancient Chinese poem, printed on gilded paper.

    • Back of the box: Engraved with essential details—each tea’s origin, tree variety, age, harvest date, and vintage.

    • Gift: Inside each box, you’ll find a bookmark featuring various historical blessings, each handwritten in traditional Chinese calligraphy.

    Curious about the meanings behind the poems and blessings? Join our Discord community and ask us a question!

  • The truth is, there isn’t a single “right” way to make tea. Each tea master or connoisseur has their own preferences when it comes to tea quantity, steeping time, water temperature, tea ware, and pairings.

    After exploring countless combinations of these elements for each THEORÓ tea, we settled on 3.6 grams as a universal portion, conveniently pre-measured in every packet—so you don’t have to worry about measuring it yourself.

    While 3.6 grams isn’t the right portion—since no such standard exists—we like to call it our “magic portion”:

    • “Drink high-quality tea, with moderation and lighter infusions” is a well-known adage among health-conscious tea drinkers. Using more than 4 grams daily can be overwhelming.

    • When the portion drops below 3 grams, the brew tends to lose its depth and endurance.

    • Compared to 3.5 grams, 3.6 grams provides just enough kick to give each cup a touch more character without crossing into the stronger intensity of 3.7 grams.

    While the tea portion is pre-measured, other variables are not. We’ve designed the optimal temperature and steeping time for each tea—make sure to read the “ENJOYMENT” section on each product page for best results!

  • At THEORÓ, our aim is more than just introducing you to tea—we seek to deepen your understanding and elevate your appreciation for it.

    Tea education is woven into the very soul of THEORÓ; it’s the true reason behind our beginnings:

    • Every THEORÓ tea embodies unmatched transparency, from historical facts to authenticity markers and artisanal craftsmanship. Our mission is to equip you with the knowledge to make informed choices when selecting your tea.

    • Our tea tastings go beyond identifying colors, aromas, and flavors, or perfecting the “proper” posture for brewing. They are rich with insights, covering every aspect of tea—from taxonomy and heritage to wellness.

  • Throughout history, tea has embodied four key cultural aspects: hospitality, wellness, aesthetics, and spirituality.

    At its core and origin, tea has always served as a means to welcome others and foster connection. Whether in person or online, we embrace this essential tradition:

    • Every month, we host in-person tea parties, carefully curated with intimate groups, each centered around a distinct theme.

    • We also manage a Discord tea community, where you can share and discuss all things tea, meet other tea enthusiasts, and ask us any questions you may have.

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

“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.