Ever felt like the products you buy are just that—products? No story. No connection. Just another item on the shelf.
We get it. That’s why, at Route 636 Tea Co., we do things differently.
Every label you see on our tea packaging? Handwritten. Yes, really. Why? Because we want you to feel the care and intention that goes into every step of our process. It’s not just tea; it’s a connection—to the earth, to the people who grow it, and to the small businesses working to change the way you think about tea.
Let’s dive into why the “small tea” approach matters—for your cup, for the planet, and for the people behind your tea.
Tea Sources That Tell a Story
Most tea companies? They’re massive. Monolithic. You buy a bag of tea, but who grew it? Where did it come from? No one knows.
At Route 636, we’re obsessed with our tea sources. Not just the places, but the people. Our teas come from small, sustainable tea farms. Farms like Assam Heritage Tea and Amba Estate don’t just produce tea—they uphold traditions, empower communities, and honor the land.
For example:
- Assam Heritage Tea (India) was founded by Rajen Baruah, who left big tea corporations to empower local farmers with pesticide-free, chemical-free practices.
- Amba Estate (Sri Lanka) is a small estate crafting teas by hand, including unique processes like stone-pounding for their Vangedi Pekoe. You can also stay at Amba Estate in their 100 year old farmhouse (!!) and see the tea making process in action!
These aren’t just farms—they’re our partners.
Ethical Loose Leaf Tea: Why It Matters
“Ethical” isn’t just a buzzword for us. It’s the backbone of everything we do.
When you sip our organic loose leaf black tea, you’re supporting:
- Fair Pay for Farmers: Our direct relationships ensure growers set their own prices. No middlemen. No exploitation.
- Sustainable Farming: Chemical-free, eco-friendly methods that protect biodiversity.
- Community Growth: Every purchase supports local economies, keeping small tea farms thriving.
Compare this to industrial tea production, where workers are often underpaid and exploited, farming practices harm the land, and tea quality is sacrificed for profit.
Small Tea vs. Big Tea
Let’s be real. Big tea companies have the money and the reach. What they lack? Transparency. Connection. Soul. Big Tea means mass production. Low-quality leaves. Blends that hide the source. Small Tea (That’s Us) means single origin. High-quality leaves. Full transparency about where your tea comes from.
Here’s the kicker: When you buy from us, you’re buying from more than one small business. You’re supporting:
- A small tea farm in Sri Lanka, where every leaf is hand-rolled.
- A small business in Roanoke, Virginia (that’s us!), handwriting labels because it’s personal.
Every step of our process is small, intentional, and transparent.
Why “Small” Isn’t a Weakness
Being small means we care more. About everything.
- Your Experience: From handwritten labels to thoughtful packaging (yes, it’s 100% compostable).
- The Planet: We’re near-zero waste and aiming for zero by 2027.
- Our Growers: We respect them. We know them by name. We tell their stories.
Big tea companies? They can’t do this.
The Handwritten Label: More Than a Detail
Let’s circle back to those handwritten labels. Why do we do it?
It’s not just a cute touch. It’s a symbol of everything we stand for:
- Authenticity: Nothing mass-produced here.
- Care: If we care this much about the label, imagine the care that went into the tea.
- Connection: A reminder that your tea comes from real people—not a faceless factory.
How You Can Make a Difference
By choosing small, ethical loose leaf tea, you’re voting with your dollar. You’re saying no to the lack of transparency in the tea industry. Here’s how you can join the movement:
- Look for Transparency: Know where your tea comes from. Ask questions.
- Support Small: Every purchase from a small tea company like Route 636 is a win for sustainability.
- Share the Love: Tell your friends why small tea matters.
Why You Will Love Route 636 Tea
Hey, friend. We see you. You’re thoughtful about your choices. You want tea that’s better for you, better for the planet, and better for the people who make it.
That’s what we’re about.
Because when you brew a cup of Route 636 tea, you’re brewing more than tea.
You’re brewing a connection—to small farms, sustainable practices, and the heart behind every handwritten label.
Ready to taste the difference small tea makes?
Explore our teas. Start with a classic like Assam Pekoe or try something bold like Vangedi Pekoe. Every tea tells a story.
Final Sip
Tea isn’t just a drink. It’s a ritual. A connection. A moment of calm in a busy world.
At Route 636 Tea Co., we’re here to make that moment meaningful. From tea sources to handwritten labels, we’re small, sustainable, and proud of it.
Take a sip. Feel the difference. For the conscious tea drinker.
Cheers,
Lindsey
Founder, Route 636 Tea Co.