{"id":3179,"date":"2026-10-18T14:56:16","date_gmt":"2026-10-18T14:56:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/?p=3179"},"modified":"2026-10-18T14:56:16","modified_gmt":"2026-10-18T14:56:16","slug":"a-family-steeped-in-tradition-meet-the-generations-behind-harney-sons-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/?p=3179","title":{"rendered":"A Family Steeped in Tradition: Meet the Generations Behind Harney & Sons"},"content":{"rendered":"

The story of Harney & Sons is not merely a chronicle of global tea commerce; it is, at its core, a quintessential family narrative. It began in 1983, in the quiet, unassuming setting of a basement, where John Harney\u2014having been mentored by English expatriate Stanley Mason\u2014first embarked on a mission to bring high-quality tea to a broader audience. Decades later, that humble domestic startup has evolved into a global brand, yet the company remains tethered to its roots. As the Harney family tree continues to branch out, the business has successfully transitioned from a husband-and-wife endeavor into a multi-generational enterprise. Today, the "Sons" in Harney & Sons is more than a name; it is a literal descriptor of a lineage that now sees the third generation taking active roles in the company\u2019s future.<\/p>\n

\"Mike<\/figure>\n

The Matriarch: Elyse Harney<\/h3>\n

To understand the heartbeat of the company, one must look to its president and matriarch, Elizabeth G. "Elyse" Deublein. Born in North Bergen, New Jersey, and a 1952 graduate of Brooklyn\u2019s St. Joseph\u2019s University, Elyse has been a pillar of the organization since its inception. Her influence on the brand is foundational, having co-founded the business alongside her husband, John, just over forty years ago. Her contributions to the family\u2019s legacy were recently honored by her alma mater, which has invited her to serve as the 2026 commencement speaker\u2014a testament to her enduring professional impact and personal character.<\/p>\n

\"Mike<\/figure>\n

Beyond her pivotal role in the tea industry, Elyse proved to be a formidable entrepreneur in her own right. In 1987, she obtained her real estate license and founded Elyse Harney Real Estate (EHRE). During the lean early years of the tea business, her success in real estate provided the essential stability required to allow John to grow Harney & Sons into the powerhouse it is today. EHRE has since flourished into a premier agency operating across the tri-state region of Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts. The family\u2019s entrepreneurial spirit has permeated this venture as well; her daughter, Elyse Harney Morris, now serves as the firm\u2019s owner and lead broker, joined by her husband, Scott, and their daughter, Brittany, marking the expansion of the family\u2019s professional influence into a new generation.<\/p>\n

\"Mike<\/figure>\n

For Elyse, tea remains a daily ritual that spans the spectrum of the company\u2019s offerings. Her current morning preferences often lean toward the delicate notes of Dragon Pearl Jasmine, the health-conscious profile of the Angiogenesis Foundation Green Tea, or the crisp, traditional character of Japanese Sencha. As the day transitions into the afternoon, she often pivots to oolongs, while her evenings are frequently anchored by calming infusions like Jasmine tea, the vibrant Yellow & Blue blend, or the soothing classic, Chamomile\u2014a staple her husband famously brought home for her for many years.<\/p>\n

\"Mike<\/figure>\n

Carrying the Torch: Mike Harney<\/h3>\n

The second generation is spearheaded by Mike Harney, the company\u2019s Vice President and Master Tea Buyer. After honing his professional skills with a degree in Hospitality Management and Hotel Administration from Cornell University and managing the Richmont Hotel in Chicago, Mike joined the family business in 1988. His transition into the tea world was natural, yet he brought a rigorous, systematic approach to the craft of blending and sourcing.<\/p>\n

\"Mike<\/figure>\n

As the company\u2019s official tea taster, Mike travels the globe, cultivating relationships with tea producers and searching for the finest harvests. His expertise was formalized in 2008 with the publication of The Harney & Sons Guide to Tea<\/em>, a work derived from his experience sampling thousands of varieties. Mike\u2019s philosophy is rooted in the concept of "terroir"\u2014the idea that a great tea should vividly express the specific environment in which it was cultivated. Because he is intimately involved in the blending and tasting process, Mike finds it difficult to name a single favorite, preferring instead to highlight the specific character of each origin, as curated in his online collection, "Mike Harney\u2019s Selects."<\/p>\n

\"Mike<\/figure>\n

The International Connection: Brigitte Harney<\/h3>\n

The global perspective of Harney & Sons is further enriched by Brigitte Harney, the company\u2019s manager and buyer, and wife to Mike. A native of Suresnes, France, Brigitte\u2019s path to the Harney family began in 1977, when she arrived in Connecticut to work as an au pair. A chance meeting with the Harney family set the stage for her future. Years later, during an internship in France, she and Mike reconnected, and the two eventually joined forces both personally and professionally.<\/p>\n

\"Mike<\/figure>\n

Brigitte\u2019s tastes are as sophisticated as her background. While she is closely associated with "Brigitte\u2019s Blend"\u2014a masterful combination of silvery Ceylon and tippy, full-leaf Assam\u2014her palate is highly seasonal. She often favors the robust Supreme Breakfast tea, which features a blend of tippy Assam and Hao Ya \u2018B\u2019 Keemun. However, her choices shift with the weather; she might opt for the earthy depth of Panyang Congou or the herbal notes of Thai Rooibos in the autumn, while the arrival of spring often finds her reaching for a bright, vibrant first-flush Darjeeling.<\/p>\n

\"Mike<\/figure>\n

Innovation and Growth: Paul Harney<\/h3>\n

Representing the second generation alongside Mike is his brother, Paul Harney, who also serves as Vice President. Paul is widely recognized as the company\u2019s chief innovator, constantly seeking to modernize how consumers engage with tea. He was the driving force behind the brand\u2019s expansion into the ready-to-drink market with organic bottled teas and juices. Furthermore, he was instrumental in developing the company\u2019s signature pyramid sachet packaging. This innovation was a game-changer for the brand, allowing for the convenience of a traditional tea bag while providing sufficient space for whole-leaf tea to expand, ensuring a superior infusion.<\/p>\n

\"Mike<\/figure>\n

Paul\u2019s interest in high-quality botanicals extended beyond the tea industry in 2018 when he, along with Mike, co-founded The Hemp Division. This venture allowed the family to apply their expertise in sourcing and processing to the emerging world of legalized hemp. Like his brother, Paul has an expansive taste in tea, though he holds a particular fondness for "Horchata" tea\u2014a creative, flavorful blend of milky oolong, toasted rice, and cinnamon bark that reflects his affinity for Mexican culinary traditions.<\/p>\n

\"Mike<\/figure>\n

The Third Generation: Emerging Leaders<\/h3>\n

The future of Harney & Sons is currently being shaped by the third generation, notably Emeric and Alex Harney, who have grown up with the scent of bergamot and the sound of tea tins in the background of their childhoods.<\/p>\n

\"Mike<\/figure>\n

Emeric Harney, the current Marketing Director, began his "apprenticeship" at the age of four, assisting with the simple tasks of labeling tins before graduating to the retail floor during his teenage years. His path to leadership was forged through hands-on experience, from managing the successful opening of the company\u2019s SoHo retail location in 2010 to taking the helm of brand management and product development. Emeric has also contributed to the company\u2019s catalog as a blender, creating popular favorites like Apple Cinnamon and White Christmas. His current preferences reflect a refined, modern palate, often favoring the complex, savory notes of Matcha iri Genmaicha in the morning and the deep, rich character of Panyang Congou in the afternoon.<\/p>\n

\"Mike<\/figure>\n

Alex Harney, the company\u2019s Content Director and Caf\u00e9 Director, carries the family legacy through both his creative output and his culinary expertise. His earliest memories involve working with his grandfather to blend Earl Grey, manually infusing tea leaves with bergamot oil. When the company opened its Millerton caf\u00e9 in 2005, Alex stepped into the role of founder and executive chef, curating a menu that ranged from artisanal sandwiches to intricate desserts. Today, he also serves as the director of film and photography for Harney & Sons, ensuring the brand\u2019s visual storytelling matches the quality of its tea. For his personal selection, Alex has developed a discerning taste for lightly oxidized oolongs, frequently reaching for varieties such as Dong Ding Light, Wenshan Baozhong, and Ali San Oolong.<\/p>\n

\"Mike<\/figure>\n

A Continuing Legacy<\/h3>\n

As the Harney family continues to grow, the business remains a living entity, constantly evolving while maintaining the principles of quality and hospitality established in that basement four decades ago. The current leadership is acutely aware that the industry is unpredictable, and that the next chapter of the company will likely involve further growth and the eventual integration of the fourth generation. For now, the family remains focused on their core mission: sourcing, sampling, blending, and sharing the world\u2019s finest teas, one cup at a time, to bring a touch of the exceptional to the everyday lives of their customers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The story of Harney & Sons is not merely a chronicle of global tea commerce; it is, at its core, a quintessential family narrative. It began in 1983, in the quiet, unassuming setting of a basement, where John Harney\u2014having been mentored by English expatriate Stanley Mason\u2014first embarked on a mission to bring high-quality tea to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3178,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[591],"tags":[661,2210,3382,1005,593,1799,595,1006,2209,594,592,922],"class_list":["post-3179","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tea-culture-and-ceremonies","tag-behind","tag-family","tag-generations","tag-harney","tag-matcha","tag-meet","tag-pu-erh","tag-sons","tag-steeped","tag-tea-ceremony","tag-tea-culture","tag-tradition"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3179","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3179"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3179\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3178"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3179"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3179"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/orientalplaces.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3179"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}