Frequently Asked Questions
A few answers to help you discover Lao, our collections and how to enjoy them. If your question is not here, write to us at info@laoinc.ca.
What is Lao?
Lao is a Canadian house of premium, non-alcoholic tea beverages. Every creation begins with a single-origin tea and is designed for the table, poured where you would pour a fine wine. Lao is not a soda, a sweet mocktail or a kombucha: it is a sensory experience built on terroir.
What is the difference between Bulles de Thé (Sparkling Tea) and Thea Placida?
Bulles de Thé are sparkling: a fine, lively effervescence, ideal for the apéritif and for celebration. Thea Placida are still beverages: a denser structure and a longer finish, made for tasting and for pairing with food.
Does Lao contain alcohol?
Each bottle contains less than 0.5% alc./vol. Our sparkling teas were recognised at the World Alcohol-Free Awards 2024, with a Gold Medal for the Gyokuro Okabe and a Silver Medal for the Mucha Tie Guan Yin.
What is the bottle format?
Every Lao bottle comes in a 750 ml format, made to be shared at the table like a bottle of wine.
At what temperature should I serve Lao?
Serve Bulles de Thé chilled, between 8 and 12°C. Serve Thea Placida a little less cold, between 11 and 16°C, so the full expression of the leaf can unfold.
How should I enjoy Lao, and what does it pair with?
Pour Lao as you would a wine: at the apéritif, over dinner or when you receive. Bulles de Thé accompany fresh starters, seafood and celebration. Thea Placida stand up to richer dishes and slow meals. Serve in a wine glass to reveal the aromatics.
Where do the teas come from?
From identifiable terroirs: the shaded gardens of Okabe in Shizuoka, Japan; the roasting kilns of Muzha in Taiwan; the high mountains of Guizhou and the ancient forests of Yunnan, in China. Each origin shapes the aromatic profile.
Is Lao a kombucha?
No. Lao explores tea through precise extraction and infusion. It is neither a kombucha, nor a soda, nor a sweetened drink.
Do you ship, and where?
We currently ship across Canada. Standard shipping is $8.99, and it is free on orders over $85. Orders are processed within 1 to 5 business days, and delivery usually takes 2 to 8 business days after shipping.
What is your return policy?
Because our products are food beverages, all sales are final. If a bottle arrives broken or damaged, please contact us at info@laoinc.ca within 48 hours with photos of the shipping box, the packaging and the affected bottles, and we will find a solution.
In winter, will my order be protected from freezing?
Our bottles are sensitive to extreme cold. When forecasted temperatures fall below about -15°C for several consecutive days, we may delay a shipment to preserve product integrity. We recommend enabling carrier notifications and retrieving your package promptly.
How should I store the bottles?
Keep your bottles away from extreme heat and freezing temperatures, and serve them chilled. Once opened, enjoy within a short time to preserve the effervescence and the aromatics.
Where can I buy Lao besides the online store?
Lao is available through select fine grocers and restaurants in Quebec, and continues to expand. For the current online range, visit our shop.