Harney & Sons is a premium American tea company known for its high-quality loose-leaf teas, elegant sachets, and handcrafted blends. Founded in 1983, the brand sources tea from top gardens in China, India, Japan, and Africa.
Harney & Sons is one of the most respected names in the modern tea world. Known for premium leaves, classic blends, and beautiful packaging, Harney & Sons has become a favorite among tea drinkers who want both quality and elegance.
If you enjoy black tea, green tea, herbal blends, or flavored teas, the company offers a wide range of options for every taste.
This article will explore the brand’s history, best-selling teas, quality standards, sustainability practices, and why Harney & Sons has become a trusted name among tea lovers around the globe.
What Is Harney & Sons Tea?
Harney & Sons is a family-owned tea company founded in 1983 by John Harney in Salisbury, Connecticut. It started as a small, handcrafted tea brand and grew into an internationally recognized tea supplier. Today, it is known for:
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Premium loose-leaf teas
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Elegant tea sachets
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Hand-blended flavors
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Rare and specialty teas
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Gift tins and luxury packaging
The company works closely with tea producers from Asia, Africa, and beyond, bringing global tea traditions to consumers.
History of Harney And Sons Tea:
To understand why Harney & Sons is admired, it helps to look at its background.
1. The Beginning
John Harney began blending teas in his basement in the early 1980s after learning from Stanley Mason, a well-known tea master. His goal was simple: to create high-quality tea that anyone could enjoy.
2. A Family Business
The company grew through the work of John’s sons, Michael and Paul, who helped shape Harney & Sons into a premium global brand.
3. Global Recognition
Over the years, Harney & Sons became known for its craftsmanship and unique flavors. Today, the company supplies teas to:
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Luxury hotels
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High-end restaurants
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Retail stores worldwide
Harney & Sons is also an official tea supplier to historic places like the Historic Royal Palaces in the United Kingdom, further proving its international reputation.
Read Others: What Is High Tea? A Timeless Afternoon Tradition
Popular Harney & Sons Tea Blends:
Harney & Sons offers more than 300 tea varieties. Here are some of the most loved blends:
1. Hot Cinnamon Spice
One of the brand’s most iconic teas.
Flavor profile:
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Sweet cinnamon
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Orange peel
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Cloves
Naturally sweet without added sugar, this tea is a bestseller.
2. Paris
Paris blend is inspired by French pastry flavors.
Notes include:
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Black currants
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Vanilla
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Bergamot
It is smooth, fragrant, and ideal for dessert tea lovers.
3. Earl Grey Supreme
A refined twist on the classic Earl Grey.
Features:
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High-quality black tea
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Silver tips
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Pure bergamot oil
A favorite among fans of traditional teas.
4. Japanese Sencha
Harney’s sencha is sourced from Japan and offers:
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Grassy notes
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Mild sweetness
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A clean finish
A reliable everyday green tea.
5. Chamomile Herbal
Made with Egyptian chamomile flowers, known for:
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Golden color
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Soft aroma
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Calming properties
Perfect for evening relaxation.
6. African Rooibos
This caffeine-free red tea offers:
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Nutty flavor
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Warm aroma
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Antioxidant-rich properties
Ideal for nighttime or for those avoiding caffeine.
What Makes Harney & Sons Tea High Quality?
1. Direct Sourcing
Harney & Sons works directly with major tea-producing regions, including:
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China
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India
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Sri Lanka
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Japan
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Kenya
Working with trusted growers ensures consistency and freshness.
2. Hand-Blending Tradition
Many blends are crafted manually by trained tea specialists. This ensures that:
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Flavors remain balanced
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Ingredients stay fresh
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Each batch meets quality standards
3. Premium Whole Leaves
Harney & Sons uses full tea leaves in both:
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Loose-leaf form
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Sachets (not paper tea bags)
This creates better aroma, color, and flavor.
4. Sustainable Packaging
Many tins are recyclable and reusable. The company also supports ethical sourcing.
How Harney & Sons Supports Sustainable Tea Practices
Sustainability is a growing concern in the tea world. Harney & Sons responds by:
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Supporting farms with ethical labor practices
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Choosing eco-friendly packaging
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Offering organic tea options
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Collaborating with long-term growers
This aligns with global tea guidelines from groups such as:
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Fair Trade
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Rainforest Alliance
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Tea Association of the USA
These organizations support sustainability, worker protection, and environmental responsibility.
Evidence Supporting Quality:
Harney & Sons’ focus on quality is backed by recognition from trusted sources:
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Specialty Tea Institute (STI) provides training for tea professionals; many Harney experts participate.
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Tea Association of the USA highlights the company’s contribution to premium tea culture.
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Smithsonian Magazine and New York Times have featured Harney & Sons in their food and beverage coverage.
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Historic Royal Palaces (UK) selected them as a tea partner, reflecting international confidence in their craftsmanship.
These mentions support Harney & Sons’ reputation for excellence and tradition.
What Tea Drinkers Love About Harney & Sons:
1. Wide Variety
From classic black teas to exotic blends, there is something for every palate.
2. Elegant Packaging
The signature tins make Harney & Sons popular for gifts.
3. Rich Aromas and Flavors
Tea lovers praise the strong aroma and smooth taste.
4. Affordable Luxury
It offers premium quality without extremely high prices.
5. Available Worldwide
Harney teas are sold online and in many specialty stores, making them easy to access.
How to Brew Harney & Sons Tea:
Harney & Sons provides brewing instructions on each tin. Here’s a simple guide:
1. Black Tea
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100°C / 212°F
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Steep 3–5 minutes
2. Green Tea
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70–80°C / 160–180°F
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Steep 2–3 minutes
3. Herbal Tea
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100°C / 212°F
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Steep 5 minutes or more
4. Oolong Tea
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85–90°C / 185–195°F
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Steep 3–5 minutes
Correct temperature helps avoid bitterness and keeps the flavor smooth.
Where to Buy Harney & Sons Tea:
You can find Harney & Sons:
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On their official website
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Amazon
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Specialty tea shops
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Luxury hotel boutiques
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Selected grocery stores
Buying directly from the brand ensures freshness and access to exclusive blends.