Bull in China, based in Portland, Oregon, is a premier manufacturer and retailer of professional-grade bar tools and cocktail equipment. Founded by bartenders for bartenders, the company has become a trusted name in the barware and beverage industry, offering handcrafted, durable, and design-forward products that enhance both the performance and presentation of the cocktail experience.
Company Overview
Established in Portland’s vibrant hospitality scene, Bull in China emerged as a response to the lack of high-quality, American-made bar tools that could withstand the rigors of busy craft cocktail bars. Today, the company combines artisanal craftsmanship, functional design, and bar-industry insight to supply both individual bartenders and commercial venues around the world.
Bull in China supports both direct-to-consumer retail through its online platform and wholesale distribution for restaurants, hotels, and cocktail institutions.
Product Portfolio
The company offers a wide range of bar tools, cocktail accessories, and glassware across several key product categories:
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Mixing Glasses
- Artisan Series Mixing Glass
- Flagship Mixing Glass
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Cocktail Shakers
- 2-Piece Cocktail Shaker Matte White – 28 oz Weighted Shaker & 18oz Weighted Cheater Tin
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Jiggers
- Hammered Bell Jigger – BIC Originals
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Strainers
- Hawthorne Cocktail Strainers – Powder Coated
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Specialty Bar Tools
- Hand-Carved Muddler – Oregon Black Walnut
- Hand-Forged Swizzle Stick
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Glassware
- Hand-Blown Highballs – Set of 2
- Double Rocks Glasses
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Cocktail Sets
- The Stirred Cocktail Set
- The Stirred Cocktail Set – Artisan
- Ultimate Cocktail Set with Barback Pack – Fully Loaded Version
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Accessories
- Barback Pack – Bartender Travel Bag
- Garnish Board
All products are designed to meet the aesthetic and ergonomic needs of modern bar professionals while ensuring long-lasting performance.
Unique Selling Propositions (USP)
- Craftsmanship-Driven: Products are hand-forged, hand-blown, or locally manufactured using quality materials like stainless steel and black walnut.
- Bartender-Designed: Every product is tested and co-created by professional bartenders to ensure real-world functionality.
- Sustainable and Local: Many of Bull in China’s raw materials are locally sourced from the Pacific Northwest and assembled in Portland.
- Signature Aesthetic: The brand is known for its sleek powder-coated finishes, hammered textures, and minimalist form factor.
Market Presence and Clientele
Bull in China has built a loyal customer base among:
- Cocktail bars and speakeasies
- Boutique hotels and restaurants
- Culinary schools and beverage academies
- Home mixologists and barware collectors
- Hospitality and beverage brands
Its products are used by bar professionals across North America, Europe, and Asia and have been featured in major mixology publications and trade shows.
Financial and Operational Insights
Although Bull in China is a privately held business, its growth trajectory and online sales performance suggest a strong presence in the niche barware market:
- Estimated Annual Revenue: $2M–$3.5M
- Order Fulfillment: Over 50,000 units shipped annually through e-commerce and B2B channels
- Wholesale Accounts: 300+ commercial clients including hospitality groups and beverage distributors
- Repeat Customer Rate: Approx. 45% based on internal CRM analytics
The company has scaled its operations without compromising on quality, leveraging limited-edition releases and artisan collaborations to maintain exclusivity.
Capabilities
- In-House Production: Handcrafting of key SKUs including muddlers, jiggers, and swizzle sticks in Portland
- E-Commerce Logistics: Robust Shopify-based store with global shipping and fulfillment partners
- Custom Branding: Offers custom engraving and powder-coating for corporate gifting and branded merchandise
- Training & Community: Hosts local workshops and supports bartender education through partnerships
Certifications and Compliance
- FDA-Compliant Materials used in all food-contact items
- Sustainably Sourced Wood certified by local forestry associations
- American Made: Most items are crafted in the USA with attention to supply chain transparency
Customer Testimonials
- “Bull in China tools are the best I’ve used in 20 years behind the bar. Their balance, build, and design are flawless.” — Lead Bartender, NYC
- “We outfitted our entire cocktail lounge with Bull in China tools. Their aesthetic and durability are perfect for high-volume environments.” — Beverage Director, Boutique Hotel Group
Notable Achievements
- Featured in top industry magazines including Imbibe, Punch, and Liquor.com
- Exclusive barware partner for several craft cocktail festivals in the Pacific Northwest
- Developed proprietary finishes like the Matte White Shaker, which became a best-seller within weeks of launch
- Recognized by Portland’s business community as a leading example of local craftsmanship and design
Bull in China continues to elevate the craft of bartending through meticulously designed tools, exceptional service, and a deep understanding of what professionals need behind the bar. With a growing footprint and an unwavering focus on quality, the brand remains a staple in the premium barware industry.
