A Steeped Legacy: Inside the Generations Behind Harney & Sons Tea

The history of Harney & Sons is a story written in tea leaves, spanning four decades of family commitment, global sourcing, and a relentless passion for the perfect brew. It began in 1983, when John Harney, guided by the mentorship of English tea expert Stanley Mason, transformed his home basement into the unlikely cradle of what would become a global tea powerhouse. While much has changed since those early days, the company remains a steadfast family enterprise, one that has not only expanded its reach across the world but has seen its own ranks grow alongside its reputation. Today, as the "sons" in Harney & Sons raise a new generation of their own, the business remains anchored by the family members who have dedicated their lives to the craft.

The Matriarch: Elyse Harney

At the heart of the Harney & Sons story is Elizabeth G. "Elyse" Deublein, the company’s president and the matriarch of the family. A native of North Bergen, New Jersey, and a 1952 graduate of St. Joseph’s University in Brooklyn, Elyse’s influence extends far beyond the boardroom. Her professional and personal journey is a testament to the versatility and work ethic that defines the family. Having married John Harney in 1953, she became a foundational force in the company’s 1983 inception.

Elyse’s career is uniquely multifaceted. In 1987, she obtained her real estate license and founded Elyse Harney Real Estate (EHRE). During the critical early years when the tea business was finding its footing, her successful venture into real estate provided the stability that allowed the family to invest in John’s dream. Today, EHRE has flourished into a premier agency operating across the tri-state region of Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. The legacy of her leadership is now being carried forward by the next generation; her daughter, Elyse Harney Morris, stepped into the role of lead broker and owner in 2005, with her husband, Scott, and daughter, Brittany, also contributing to the firm. It is a family affair that spans industries, proving that the entrepreneurial spirit of the Harney clan runs deep.

As for her personal palate, Elyse remains an avid enthusiast of the products she helped bring to market. Her daily ritual often begins with refined choices like Dragon Pearl Jasmine, Angiogenesis Foundation Green Tea, or Japanese Sencha. As the afternoon wanes, she leans toward oolongs, typically concluding her day with a comforting cup of Jasmine, the floral notes of Yellow & Blue, or a soothing tisane of Chamomile—a habit inherited from years of sharing tea with her husband.

Carrying the Torch: Mike Harney

The second generation is spearheaded by Mike Harney, the company’s Vice President and Master Tea Buyer. Following his graduation from Cornell University with a degree in Hospitality Management and Hotel Administration, Mike spent his early career managing the Richmont Hotel in Chicago before returning to the family business in 1988.

As the Master Tea Buyer and lead blender, Mike is responsible for the company’s global footprint, frequently traveling to remote tea gardens to source the highest quality leaves. This hands-on experience culminated in his 2008 book, The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea, an authoritative volume informed by years of tasting and vetting thousands of tea varieties. For Mike, the challenge of choosing a favorite tea is a pleasant one, as his appreciation is rooted in the concept of "terroir"—the specific environmental conditions that give a tea its unique character. Whether it is a bold, high-altitude black tea or a delicate green, Mike’s selections are guided by a commitment to quality and a respect for the land where the tea is cultivated.

Brigitte Harney and the Art of the Blend

Integral to the Harney & Sons narrative is Brigitte Harney, a second-generation leader whose own story began in Suresnes, France. After arriving in the Connecticut area in 1977 as an au pair, she met the Harney family, a chance encounter that would eventually lead to her marriage to Mike and her deep integration into the family business.

As a manager and buyer, Brigitte brings a refined sensibility to the company’s offerings. While she is the namesake of "Brigitte’s Blend"—a delicate marriage of silvery Ceylon and tippy, full-leaf Assam—her preferences are dynamic, shifting with the seasons and her mood. In the brisk autumn months, she often favors Panyang Congou or the earthy notes of Thai Rooibos. When spring arrives, she frequently opts for the light, fresh profiles of a first-flush Darjeeling, such as the Teesta Valley variety. Her role underscores the importance of nuance in the tea business, where the difference between a good cup and a great one often lies in the timing of the harvest and the precision of the blend.

Innovation and Growth: Paul Harney

Also representing the second generation is Paul Harney, a Vice President known for his innovative spirit. Paul has been instrumental in modernizing the company’s approach to accessibility and variety. He was the primary architect behind the firm’s successful line of ready-to-drink organic teas and juices, as well as the implementation of pyramid sachet packaging. This design was a significant departure from traditional tea bags, offering consumers the convenience of a sachet while providing the internal volume necessary for whole-leaf tea to expand and release its full flavor profile.

Beyond tea, Paul’s entrepreneurial drive led to the 2018 launch of The Hemp Division, a sister company that leverages the family’s expertise in botanical sourcing to explore the burgeoning market for premium hemp products. His personal tastes reflect a sense of adventure; he is a particular fan of Horchata tea, a creative blend of milky oolong, toasted rice, and cinnamon bark that pays homage to his appreciation for Mexican culinary traditions.

The Third Generation: Emeric and Alex Harney

The third generation of the Harney family is already deeply embedded in the day-to-day operations of the company. Emeric Harney, the Marketing Director, has been part of the business since his early childhood, having cut his teeth by labeling tea tins and assisting in the retail shop as a boy. After successfully launching and managing the company’s SoHo retail location, Emeric moved into a broader strategic role, overseeing marketing, product development, and brand management. His contributions include the creation of popular blends like Apple Cinnamon and White Christmas. Currently, his morning routine is anchored by Matcha iri Genmaicha, while he favors the depth of Panyang Congou for his afternoon cup.

Alex Harney, the eldest of the third generation, serves as the company’s Content Director and Café Director. His early years were spent learning the art of blending under the tutelage of his grandfather, John, including the delicate process of scenting tea leaves with bergamot oil to create the classic Earl Grey. Alex’s contributions are as much about creative direction as they are about hospitality; he founded and served as executive chef of the Millerton Café, where he curated a menu that complemented the store’s tea offerings. Today, he manages the company’s film and photography, ensuring that the visual story of Harney & Sons is as compelling as its flavor profiles. A connoisseur of lightly oxidized oolongs, Alex often reaches for varieties such as Dong Ding Light or Wenshan Baozhong, reflecting a sophisticated palate that values subtlety and precision.

Looking Toward the Future

The story of Harney & Sons is, at its core, a story of evolution. From a basement operation to an internationally recognized brand, the family has maintained a delicate balance between honoring tradition and embracing innovation. While the current roster of Harneys continues to steer the company with a shared commitment to excellence, the nature of a family business is that it is always in motion.

As the family looks ahead, they remain dedicated to the foundational principles that have guided them for over forty years: the rigorous sourcing of high-quality tea, the pursuit of expert blending, and the desire to make every cup of tea an exceptional experience. Whether it is through the development of new botanicals or the documentation of their tea-filled journey, the Harneys continue to build upon the foundation John Harney laid in 1983. There is no doubt that the next chapter of the Harney & Sons legacy will continue to unfold as the family grows and the tea world continues to offer new discoveries. For now, the focus remains on the work at hand—sampling, blending, and sharing the best of what the world has to offer, one cup at a time.