A Steeped Legacy: Inside the Multigenerational World of Harney & Sons

The story of Harney & Sons is one of humble beginnings, persistence, and the enduring power of a family enterprise. It began in 1983 when John Harney, guided by the expertise of English tea veteran Stanley Mason, moved his vision from the confines of his own basement to the burgeoning world of fine tea. Today, decades later, the company has evolved into a global name, yet at its heart, it remains a family-driven operation. In fact, the "sons" in Harney & Sons are now watching the next generation—their own children—begin to shape the future of the brand.

To understand the current state of this tea dynasty, one must look at the individuals who continue to nurture the business. Each member of the Harney clan brings a unique set of skills, perspectives, and, naturally, personal preferences for the brews they spend their lives curating.

The Matriarch: Elyse Harney

At the helm of the family is Elizabeth G. "Elyse" Deublein Harney. A New Jersey native and a 1952 graduate of St. Joseph’s University in Brooklyn, Elyse’s influence on the business is foundational. Her connection to her alma mater remains strong; she is slated to serve as the 2026 commencement speaker, a testament to her enduring legacy. After her graduate studies at Columbia University and her marriage to John Harney in 1953, she became the co-founder of both the Harney family and the Harney & Sons business.

Beyond the tea tins, Elyse displayed a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit. In 1987, she earned her real estate license and founded Elyse Harney Real Estate. This venture served a dual purpose: it provided financial stability for the family while John navigated the challenging early days of the tea industry. Today, her real estate agency has grown into a major fixture of the tri-state area, covering Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. The business has truly become a family affair; her daughter, Elyse Harney Morris, joined the firm in 2005 and now leads it as owner and broker, alongside her husband, Scott, and their daughter, Brittany.

When it comes to her own palate, Elyse’s tastes are as refined as her business acumen. She maintains a diverse collection of favorites, often rotating them based on the time of day. In the morning, she frequently reaches for Dragon Pearl Jasmine, Angiogenesis Foundation Green Tea, or Japanese Sencha—a variety that was also a personal favorite of her husband. Her afternoons often call for oolongs, while her evenings are usually reserved for soothing options like Jasmine Tea, Yellow & Blue, or Chamomile, the latter of which was a staple gift from John for many years.

The Second Generation: Expertise and Innovation

Mike Harney, the company’s Vice President and Master Tea Buyer, represents the second generation of leadership. Following a stint in the hospitality industry—where he managed the Richmont Hotel in Chicago after graduating from Cornell University—Mike joined the family business in 1988. His role as Master Tea Buyer takes him across the globe, where he builds relationships with tea producers to ensure the highest quality for Harney & Sons customers. His deep expertise is further reflected in his 2008 book, The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea, which draws on his decades of experience sampling hundreds of varieties.

For Mike, tea is a study in "terroir"—the unique environmental factors that give a tea its specific character. Because his professional life is dedicated to the constant evaluation of new harvests and blends, he finds it difficult to name a single favorite. Instead, he focuses on those teas that best express the distinct landscape from which they originate, many of which are highlighted in his curated online collection.

Mike’s wife, Brigitte, also plays an integral role in the company as a manager and buyer. Originally from Suresnes, France, Brigitte arrived in the Connecticut area in 1977. Her path crossed with the Harney family through a mutual connection, and she eventually reconnected with Mike during his internship in France. Her influence on the company’s catalog is significant; she is the namesake of "Brigitte’s Blend," a sophisticated mix of silvery Ceylon and tippy, full-leaf Assam. Her preferences are highly seasonal and mood-dependent. In the crisp autumn months, she might favor Panyang Congou or Thai Rooibos, while the arrival of warmer weather sees her gravitating toward first-flush Darjeelings, such as the Teesta Valley variety.

The second generation is rounded out by Paul Harney, another Vice President who serves as a vital engine for innovation. Paul is responsible for steering the brand into new territories, including the development of organic ready-to-drink teas and juices. He was also instrumental in the shift toward pyramid sachets, a design that offers the convenience of a traditional tea bag while providing enough space for whole-leaf tea to expand and infuse properly. Furthermore, Paul was a primary force behind the 2018 launch of The Hemp Division, a sister company that applies the Harney family’s expertise in premium botanicals to the burgeoning hemp industry. Paul’s personal tastes reflect a worldly curiosity, evidenced by his affinity for Horchata tea—a unique blend of milky oolong, toasted rice, and cinnamon bark that pays homage to his love for Mexican flavors.

The Third Generation: Carrying the Torch

The third generation is already deeply embedded in the day-to-day operations of Harney & Sons. Emeric Harney, the company’s Marketing Director, has effectively grown up within the business. His early "career" involved menial tasks like peeling stickers for tea tins, but he quickly moved into more substantive roles. By his early teens, he was a fixture in the retail shop, and he eventually took on the development of his own blends, such as the popular Apple Cinnamon and White Christmas. In 2010, he spearheaded the launch of the SoHo retail store, and by 2016, he transitioned into marketing, where he now oversees brand management and product development. His current preferences include a morning cup of Matcha iri Genmaicha and a classic Panyang Congou in the afternoon.

Alex Harney, the oldest son of the third generation, shares a similar history of early immersion. His childhood memories are inextricably linked to the scent of bergamot oil as he worked alongside his grandfather, John, blending Earl Grey. By age 12, he was conducting tea tastings in the retail store. When the business moved to Millerton in 2005, Alex took on the role of founder and executive chef for the company’s café, creating a menu of soups, sandwiches, and desserts that complemented the tea offerings. Today, he serves as the director of film and photography for Harney & Sons, channeling his creativity into the visual storytelling of the brand. Alex possesses a particular affinity for lightly oxidized oolongs, frequently reaching for varieties such as Dong Ding Light, Wenshan Baozhong, and Ali San Oolong.

As the family continues to grow and evolve, so too does the company. The Harney family views their business not as a static entity, but as a living project that requires constant attention, sourcing, and blending. While the current generation is firmly established, they remain aware that the future is always unfolding. As the family history continues to be written, the Harneys remain committed to their original mission: sharing the world’s finest teas and helping their customers find moments of exception in their everyday lives. Whether it is through new product lines, evolving brand aesthetics, or the quiet, consistent act of brewing a perfect cup, the Harney family’s dedication to their craft ensures that their legacy will continue to steep for years to come.