About

In 2015, as I was contemplating repatriation to the US, the epiphany hit.  Along with bringing myself back to the US, why not also bring back Chinese teas of a quality not typically seen in the US.  Many purveyors of tea in the US purchase tea from US or Chinese-based wholesalers.  They almost never have the highest grade Chinese teas.  Why not?  The small producers of the best teas can easily sell 100% of what they produce to Chinese customers, who will pay more than global customers.  There is no incentive to export.

With nearly two decades in Asia, including 6 years living and traveling across China, I made many close friends and met many tea masters.   A few of my Chinese friends would travel across China on their vacations, looking for the best premium artisan teas for their own consumption.  Fortunately, I was able to sample these teas when we met.  Using relationships they had cultivated over a decade, they were able to persuade these small artisan tea producers to sell to me instead of the domestic Chinese market.  It is a reminder of the importance of relationships in that part of the world.  Relationships you can’t build on a two-week tea shopping spree.  This was the birth of Bamboo Mist Tea, LLC.

Why the name of Bamboo Mist Tea?  Some of the best teas in China come from high in the misty mountains, where ancient tea trees often coexist with the mighty bamboo.   Yes, I said tea trees.  Some varietals of tea, including the puers sold by Bamboo Mist Tea, come from ancient trees that grow wild in the mountains.  It is believed the taste, aroma, and health benefits of tea picked from these tea trees is better.  

The company logo is written in ancient Chinese characters and is pronounced rui cao kui, which means auspicious, plant, and exceptional. It is our good fortune to bring you these exceptional teas. The intent of this business is to create a community of like minded tea enthusiasts.  The motivation was not about striking it rich. It was about providing quality teas and education to the US tea consumer. Tea is a beverage, but drinking tea is an experience, an experience enhanced by the quality of the tea. If Bamboo Mist Tea can provide you with a high quality tea and tea experience, then the business is already a success. Enjoy!