How We Source Tea
Tealibere sources pu-erh tea with a focus on material integrity, processing clarity, and long-term drinkability—not scale or speed.
Our Sourcing Approach
We do not treat tea as a commodity. Every pu-erh we select begins with careful consideration of where it comes from, how it was made, and how it has been handled since production.
If the origin or handling of a tea is unclear, we do not carry it.
Material Comes First
Good pu-erh starts with good leaf. We prioritize material that shows natural structure, resilience across infusions, and a clean, steady energy.
- Leaf that brews evenly and does not collapse quickly
- Material that retains sweetness over multiple infusions
- Structure that supports aging rather than fading
Processing Integrity
We evaluate how a tea was processed—not just the final flavor. Clean processing preserves clarity and allows the tea to evolve naturally.
- No excessive bitterness created to simulate strength
- No artificial fermentation character in raw pu-erh
- Ripe pu-erh that feels smooth, not muddy or sour
Proper processing should reveal material—not disguise it.
Storage Conditions Matter
Storage is not an afterthought—it is part of sourcing. We pay close attention to how teas are stored before reaching us.
- Dry, well-ventilated environments
- No artificial acceleration of aging
- No musty, sour, or unclear storage influence
Why We Work at a Smaller Scale
Sourcing at scale often requires compromise. We prefer limited quantities that allow us to taste, revisit, and confirm consistency over time.
Fewer teas, chosen with attention, rather than wide catalogs with uneven quality.
Transparency Over Storytelling
We avoid sourcing decisions based purely on romantic narratives. Instead, we focus on what can be observed in the cup.
When we describe origin, year, or material, it reflects what we can verify through tasting and handling.
How Sourcing Connects to Our Philosophy
Our sourcing standards exist to support our selection philosophy: teas that are balanced, drinkable, and honest over time.
