Sebastian Beckwith

Sebastian is a ranking American tea authority based in New York City. He teaches educational tea seminars at New York City's China Institute and the Institute of Culinary Education, as well as at museums and other venues. He also leads presentations with the internationally known, integrative health expert Dr. Andrew Weil at New York City's Columbia University. It was in the 1980s, while working as a trekking guide for the adventure travel company Geographic Expeditions in Bhutan, that Sebastian's interest in tea began after spending time with tea growers in nearby Darjeeling and Sikkim, India. He spends several months a year in Asia sourcing teas for In Pursuit of Tea.

Tools I Love or The Way I Like to Drink Tea

This is the view from my desk at work.  The middle shelf is full of Pu-erh Beencha cakes. The small cabinet on the left was actually made as a cigarette case! I bought it in northern Thailand.  Inside are a collection of traditional tea accessories such as yixing pots, ceramic gaiwans, sharing pitchers and tasting cups.

All day long at the office in Brooklyn , we have pots of tea going.  I grab a cup from the shelf and enjoy.