The biography of Champlain Charest written by Robert Bernier

Radiologist, entrepreneur, great wine enthusiast, restaurateur, and art collector, Dr. Champlain Charest has just celebrated his 95th birthday. This biography traces the exceptional journey of a man who has lived for nearly a century with uncommon curiosity, energy, and zest for life.

An essential figure in Quebec's wine and restaurant world, Champlain Charest has always cultivated his passions to the fullest. His journey took him from medicine to entrepreneurship, from grand bottles to fine dining, and into the art world, where he distinguished himself as a collector and generous donor.

The book also delves into his intense friendship with Jean Paul Riopelle, a meeting between two complete, excessive, and profoundly free personalities. A friendship marked by complicity and ups and downs, but whose bonds never truly broke.

Beyond wine, art, and professional achievements, this biography mainly reveals the man behind the persona: his enthusiasms, his contradictions, his excesses, and the intimate drive so well summarized by the title: The fear of missing out... The need to be loved.

A fascinating life story, at the crossroads of Quebec history, wine, gastronomy, and art.

The Teku Mug beer mug by Rastal revisits the traditional mug, incorporating the distinctive lines of the Teku collection. Inspired by the traditional Czech mug, it combines contemporary aesthetics with a design conceived for beer tasting, particularly lagers.

Its shape is designed to enhance the aromas of the beer and promote a creamy and persistent head. Its flared rim slows the flow of the beer to improve sensory perception, while its rounded inner contour facilitates a smooth pour for draft beer. The handle allows you to hold the mug without directly warming the beer with your hand.

The lower part features a cut structure inspired by the Bohemian glass tradition, designed to accentuate light effects and reflections. A discreet Teku signature embossed on the handle completes the design of this mug, which combines sophistication and functionality.

Features
Brand: Rastal
Collection: Teku Mug
Type: Beer Mug
Capacity: 550 ml (18.6 oz)
Calibration capacity: 400 ml (13.5 oz)
Height: 123 mm • 12.3 cm • 4.8 in
Maximum diameter: 103 mm • 10.3 cm • 4.1 in
Rim: Flared to slow the flow of beer
Interior: Rounded contour facilitating a smooth pour
Handle: Embossed Teku signature and design limiting beer warming by hand
Design: Cut structure inspired by the Bohemian glass tradition
Particularly suitable beer: Lager

The Durand leather case is designed to effectively protect your Durand bottle opener while adding a touch of elegance. Carefully crafted, it perfectly hugs the shape of the bottle opener to preserve it during transport or storage.

Made from American Nappa leather, it offers a high-end finish that is both soft to the touch and durable. Its design protects the blades and worm from wear and tear, helping to maintain the precision and performance of your bottle opener over time.

With its simple and refined design, this case is the ideal accessory for wine lovers who want to protect their tool while highlighting its premium character.

Features
Compatibility: The Durand bottle opener
Material: American Nappa leather
Function: Protection of blades and worm
Dimensions: 82.6 × 95.3 mm • 8.3 × 9.5 cm • 3.25 × 3.75 in

The Craft Master Two glass by Rastal stands out with its tall and slender tulip shape, designed to offer a versatile tasting experience. With its 173 mm height and 75 mm diameter, its silhouette gives the beer more space to develop its flavors, while its narrower upper part forms a chimney that promotes the concentration of aromas.

This design makes it particularly suitable for tasting complex, malty, or highly aromatic beers, allowing you to fully appreciate their different nuances. Its capacity of 473 ml (16 oz) and its contemporary profile make it a glass suitable for both beer enthusiasts and professional service.

Features
Brand: Rastal
Collection: Craft Master Two
Type: Tulip-shaped beer glass
Capacity: 473 ml (16 oz)
Calibration capacity: 400 ml (13.5 oz)
Height: 173 mm • 17.3 cm • 6.8 in
Diameter: 75 mm • 7.5 cm • 3 in
Shape: Tall and slender tulip
Use: Versatile tasting, particularly suitable for complex, malty, or highly aromatic beers

The Classic Tankard mug by Rastal features a timeless design, ideal for serving beer and other cold beverages. Its generous 370 ml capacity makes it suitable for both home and professional use.

With its classic silhouette and comfortable handle, it combines practicality and simplicity for everyday service.

Features
Brand: Rastal
Collection: Classic Tankard
Capacity: 370 ml (12.5 oz)
Calibration capacity: 300 ml
Height: 180 mm • 18 cm • 7.1 in
Diameter: 71 mm • 7.1 cm • 2.8 in

Exclusively designed for the Aarke Carbonator Pro, this glass bottle combines elegance and durability to accompany your daily sparkling water preparation. Its sleek and refined design allows it to transition seamlessly from the kitchen to the table.

Robust enough for daily use and regular carbonation, it is dishwasher-safe, making it easy to clean after each use.

The bottle is made of glass, while its cap is composed of stainless steel and food-grade silicone.

Features
Compatibility: Exclusively compatible with the Aarke Carbonator Pro
Bottle Material: Glass
Cap Materials: Stainless steel (SUS304) and food-grade silicone
Use: Designed for daily carbonation
Care: Dishwasher-safe

Peychaud’s whiskey barrel-aged bitters is a limited edition that marries the heritage of the house with that of rye whiskey. Aged for 140 days in Sazerac rye whiskey barrels, it develops a more complex and mellowed profile, adding a spicy touch to cocktails.

Its notes of oak, candied spices, and vanilla accompany aromas of anise, clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cherry, plum, berries, and redcurrant round out the whole, marked by a pronounced bitterness, a slight sweetness, and a hint of acidity. Notes of medicinal herbs with a slightly numbing sensation further enrich this profile.

Crafted in New Orleans, these bitters are used in classic preparations calling for aromatic bitters, particularly cocktails based on rye whiskey or bourbon.

Specifications
Type: whiskey barrel-aged aromatic bitters
Size: 148 ml (5.21 imp. fl. oz.)
Alcohol content: 35% alc./vol.
Aging: 140 days in Sazerac rye whiskey barrels
Main notes: oak, candied spices, vanilla, anise, clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg
Fruity notes: cherry, plum, berries, and redcurrant
Profile: pronounced bitterness, slight sweetness, hint of acidity, and notes of medicinal herbs
Usage: classic cocktails requiring aromatic bitters
Production: limited edition
Origin: New Orleans, USA

Made of aluminum, this collection's sturdiness is matched by the elegance of its clean lines. It offers impressive arrangement possibilities and great flexibility in bottle presentation. Ideal for the cellar or glass wine cellar, its configurations are equally suited to small spaces and large-scale layouts.

With Frontenac shelves, simplicity and functionality come together to offer a versatile storage solution tailored to your needs. Discover our angled storage shelf, designed to showcase your bottles in a horizontal position with a slight forward tilt. Both elegant and functional, this configuration offers a refined presentation that highlights your finest bottles while blending seamlessly into your wine storage space.

The modular design of the Frontenac collection also allows for a double-sided configuration, with the option of adding a bottle in the center. Bottles can also be stacked to optimize available space and increase storage capacity.

The shelf must be used with the FK-2AT shelf bracket, sold separately. Integrated F-LED lighting is also available as an option.

Components are shipped boxed and require assembly.

Made in Canada.

Assembly service is available upon request. Contact us for more details.

Made of aluminum, this collection's sturdiness is matched by the elegance of its clean lines. It offers impressive arrangement possibilities and great flexibility in bottle presentation. Ideal for the cellar or glass wine cellar, its configurations are equally suited to small spaces and large-scale layouts.

With Frontenac shelves, simplicity and functionality come together to offer a versatile storage solution tailored to your needs. Available in several sizes, the triple shelves accommodate three bottles in depth and up to three bottles in width.

The modular design of the Frontenac collection also allows for a double-sided configuration, with the option of adding a bottle in the center. Bottles can also be stacked to optimize available space and increase storage capacity.

The shelf must be used with the FK-2AT shelf bracket, sold separately. Integrated F-LED lighting is also available as an option.

Components are shipped boxed and require assembly.

Made in Canada.

Assembly service is available upon request. Contact us for more details.

Made of aluminum, this collection's sturdiness is matched by the elegance of its clean lines. It offers impressive arrangement possibilities and great flexibility in bottle presentation. Ideal for the cellar or glass wine cellar, its configurations are equally suited to small spaces and large-scale layouts.

The standard shelf bracket offers great versatility and is compatible with all shelves in the Frontenac collection. For a single-sided shelf configuration, one FK-2AT bracket is required for each shelf. For a double-sided configuration, only one FK-2AT bracket is required per row, allowing two shelves to be installed—one on each side.

Components are shipped boxed and require assembly.

Made in Canada.

Assembly service is available upon request. Contact us for more details.

Made of aluminum, this collection's sturdiness is matched by the elegance of its clean lines. It offers impressive arrangement possibilities and great flexibility in bottle presentation. Ideal for the cellar or glass wine cellar, its configurations are equally suited to small spaces and large-scale layouts.

With Frontenac shelves, simplicity and functionality come together to offer a versatile storage solution tailored to your needs. Available in several sizes, the single shelves accommodate one bottle in depth and up to three bottles in width.

The modular design of the Frontenac collection also allows for a double-sided configuration, with the option of adding a bottle in the center. Bottles can also be stacked to optimize available space and increase storage capacity.

The shelf must be used with the FK-2AT shelf bracket, sold separately. Integrated F-LED lighting is also available as an option.

Components are shipped boxed and require assembly.

Made in Canada.

Assembly service is available upon request. Contact us for more details.

Made of aluminum, this collection's sturdiness is matched by the elegance of its clean lines. It offers impressive arrangement possibilities and great flexibility in bottle presentation. Ideal for the cellar or glass wine cellar, its configurations are equally suited to small spaces and large-scale layouts.

With Frontenac shelves, simplicity, elegance, and functionality come together to create a solution perfectly tailored to your needs. Available in several sizes, the laminate wood shelf combines style and versatility with a refined finish.

Carefully crafted from high-quality laminate, it provides an elegant way to showcase your wine bottles, spirits, and favorite accessories. Both stylish and practical, it is the perfect addition to personalize your wine storage design and elevate your space with distinction.

The shelf must be used with the FK-2AT shelf bracket, sold separately. Integrated F-LED lighting is also available as an option.

Components are shipped boxed and require assembly.

Made in Canada.

Assembly service is available upon request. Contact us for more details.

The Barfly ice scoop is designed for quick and efficient filling of glasses, pitchers, and ice buckets. Its flared shape makes serving easy, while its drainage slots quickly remove meltwater, ensuring only ice is served.

Made from durable polypropylene, it features an ergonomic handle with a textured surface for a comfortable grip. The micro-serrations on each side of the handle provide increased grip, even in wet conditions.

Practical for everyday use, it also has a hanging hole for easy storage and quick access.

Features
Type: Ice scoop
Capacity: 355 ml (12 oz)
Material: Durable polypropylene
Available in several colors
Handle: Ergonomic with textured surface and non-slip micro-serrations
Drainage: Integrated slots for meltwater drainage
Storage: Integrated hanging hole

The Opinel N°04 keychain knife is a compact and robust companion, ideal for small daily tasks. Equipped with a keyring, it easily attaches to a set of keys, a bag, or a backpack, ensuring it's always within reach. It is particularly practical for opening packages, making models, or performing small, precise cuts.

Its 5 cm Yatagan blade made of martensitic stainless steel offers excellent sharpness, high wear resistance, and good corrosion protection under normal use conditions. Inspired by a Turkish saber, its characteristic shape and exclusive curved profile contribute to the blade's robustness while facilitating re-sharpening.

The PEFC-certified beech handle, sourced from eco-managed forests in the Jura and Vercors regions, is renowned for its strength and durability. Its varnished finish effectively protects the wood against moisture and dirt, while highlighting its natural appearance.

Features
Type: Keychain knife
Blade length: 50 mm • 5 cm • 2 in
Handle length: 66 mm • 6.6 cm • 2.6 in
Blade type: Yatagan blade
Blade material: Martensitic stainless steel
Blade hardness: 55 to 57 HRC
Steel origin: Europe
Handle material: PEFC-certified beech
Handle finish: Varnished
Keyring: Yes

Fee Brothers' Roasted Duck Fat Wash revolutionizes the Fat Wash technique, an iconic method in craft mixology that imparts a velvety texture, aromatic richness, and unparalleled flavor depth to spirits. Until now, this technique required time, preparation, and expensive ingredients.

Thanks to its ready-to-use water-soluble formula, Fee Brothers Fat Wash instantly replicates the effects of traditional fat washing, without preparation, without waste, and without waiting. A few drops are enough to enrich your cocktails with a rich, clean, and savory complexity, inspired by roasted duck fat, offering a rich and multidimensional tasting experience.

Designed for both professionals and cocktail enthusiasts alike, it makes it easy to create complex-flavored drinks without resorting to the traditional fat washing technique. Simply add 3 dashes (0.9 ml) to your favorite cocktail to instantly achieve all the aromatic richness and mouthfeel characteristic of a true fat wash.

This is not a bitter. Stable at room temperature and ready to use, this Fat Wash provides a simple and effective solution to enrich your creations in seconds.

Features
Volume: 150 ml (5.1 oz)
Type: Water-soluble Fat Wash Flavoring
Flavor Profile: Rich, clean, and savory complexity inspired by roasted duck fat
Usage: Cocktails and mixed drinks
Recommended Dosage: 3 dashes (0.9 ml) per drink
Storage: Stable at room temperature
Ready to use: Yes

Fee Brothers' Hazelnut Butter Fat Wash revolutionizes the Fat Wash technique, an emblematic method in artisanal mixology that gives spirits a velvety texture, aromatic richness, and incomparable depth of flavor. Until now, this technique required time, preparation, and expensive ingredients.

Thanks to its ready-to-use water-soluble formula, Fee Brothers Fat Wash instantly replicates the effects of traditional fat washing, without preparation, without waste, and without waiting. A few drops are enough to enrich your cocktails with delicious notes of hazelnut butter, at once gourmet, flavorful, and slightly sweet, offering a rich and multidimensional tasting experience.

Designed for both professionals and cocktail enthusiasts, it makes it easy to create complex-flavored drinks without resorting to the traditional fat washing technique. Simply add 3 dashes (0.9 ml) to your favorite cocktail to instantly obtain all the aromatic richness and mouthfeel characteristic of a true fat wash.

This is not a bitter. Stable at room temperature and ready to use, this Fat Wash is a simple and effective solution to enrich your creations in a few seconds.

Features
Volume: 150 ml (5.1 oz)
Type: Water-soluble Fat Wash flavoring
Flavor profile: Gourmet, savory, and slightly sweet hazelnut butter notes
Use: Cocktails and mixed drinks
Recommended dosage: 3 dashes (0.9 ml) per drink
Storage: Stable at room temperature
Ready to use: Yes

Fee Brothers' Bacon Fat Wash revolutionizes the Fat Wash technique, a recognized method in mixology for giving spirits an incomparable velvety texture, aromatic richness, and depth of flavor. Until now, this technique required time, preparation, and additional ingredients.

Thanks to its ready-to-use water-soluble formula, Bacon Fat Wash instantly reproduces the effects of traditional fat washing, without preparation, without waste, and without waiting. Just a few drops are enough to enrich your cocktails with smoky notes, a beautiful umami intensity, and a bacon-inspired flavor.

Designed for both professionals and cocktail enthusiasts, it makes it easy to add a new dimension to your creations. It can also be used to enhance sauces, marinades, and other gourmet recipes.

Simple to use, just add 3 dashes (0.9 ml) to your favorite drink to enjoy all the aromatic richness of a fat wash, without the constraints of the traditional method.

Features
Volume: 150 ml (5.1 oz)
Type: Water-soluble Fat Wash flavoring
Flavor profile: Smoky notes, bacon flavor, umami, and subtle spice notes
Usage: Cocktails, sauces, marinades, and gastronomic recipes
Recommended dosage: 3 dashes (0.9 ml) per drink
Origin: United States

Ingredients
Water, glycerin, bacon flavor (corn maltodextrin, natural flavor, modified corn starch).

The Carbonator Pro sparkling water machine combines contemporary design with ease of use to create quality sparkling water at home. Its stainless steel body with a textured finish is available in several colors, while its dishwasher-safe glass bottle adds a touch of elegance both on the counter and at the table.

Thanks to its Push-to-Lock™ system, the bottle locks easily with one hand for a simple and intuitive carbonation experience. Operating without electricity or plugs, the Carbonator Pro integrates naturally into all living spaces.

One CO₂ cylinder (sold separately) can carbonate up to 60 L of water. The set includes an 800 ml glass bottle (fill line at 700 ml), an extra gasket, a user manual, and an Aarke cleaning cloth.

Features
Colors: Available in several colors
Bottle capacity: 800 ml (27 oz) – fill line at 700 ml (23.7 oz)
Materials: Stainless steel (SUS304), glass, and silicone
Operation: No electricity or plugs
Locking system: One-hand Push-to-Lock™
Yield: One CO₂ cylinder carbonates up to 60 L of water
Care: Dishwasher-safe bottle
Dimensions: 510 × 170 × 290 mm • 51 × 17 × 29 cm • 20.1 × 6.7 × 11.4 in
Weight: 3.65 kg

Included in the box:
-Carbonator Pro sparkling water machine
-Glass bottle
-Extra gasket
-User manual
-Aarke cleaning cloth

The gas cylinder must be purchased separately. 
The stainless steel bottle is not included but can be purchased separately.

The LEHMANN Hommage red wine glass, from the Signature – L’Hédoniste collection, is designed for tasting red wines. Created with Gérard Basset, Best Sommelier of the World, this collection is distinguished by its slender, refined lines, celebrating wine as a story of passion, emotion, and sharing.

With a capacity of 600 ml, this model is machine-blown using the Ultralight process, which combines finesse and lightness. Its height of 24.9 cm and diameter of 9.5 cm provide an elegant format for service and tasting.

Specifications
Capacity: 600 ml (60 cl / approx. 20.12 oz)
Height: 24.9 cm (249 mm)
Diameter: 9.5 cm (95 mm)
Manufacturing: machine-blown, Ultralight process
Qualities: finesse and lightness
Usage: service and tasting of red wines
Design: collection created with Gérard Basset, Best Sommelier of the World
Model: Hommage 60
Collection: Signature – L’Hédoniste

The Venus wine glass by LEHMANN, from the Signature – L’Intense collection, was designed in collaboration with Fabrice Sommier, MOF Sommelier. Its pure, precise curves subtly highlight the aromatic nobility of Grand Cru wines. With a capacity of 470 ml, it is perfect for tasting red, white, and rosé wines.

Crafted from machine-blown crystalline glass, it benefits from an industrial process combined with the expertise of cold-cutting. This manufacturing method provides durability and resistance while approaching the finesse and transparency of mouth-blown collections.

Dishwasher safe, preferably on a glass-specific cycle, it can also be maintained by hand. However, the manufacturer recommends hand washing with warm water, without detergent.

Specifications
Capacity: 470 ml (47 cl / approx. 16.54 oz)
Height: 23 cm (230 mm)
Diameter: 9.2 cm (92 mm)
Material: crystalline glass
Manufacturing: machine-blown, with cold-cutting
Qualities: finesse, transparency, durability, and resistance
Usage: tasting red, white, and rosé wines
Maintenance: dishwasher safe, glass cycle preferred; hand washing with warm water and no detergent recommended
Drying: microfiber cloth for extra shine
Care tip: a few drops of white vinegar on a cloth to restore the glass's natural brilliance
Precaution: do not twist the base and bowl in opposite directions
Design: collection created with Fabrice Sommier, MOF Sommelier
Model: Venus
Collection: Signature – L’Intense

The LEHMANN Dionysos wine glass, from the Signature – L’Intense collection, was designed in collaboration with Fabrice Sommier, MOF Sommelier. Its pure, precise curves subtly highlight the aromatic nobility of Grands Crus, accompanying your tastings with elegance.

Crafted from lead-free crystal, this model features machine-made production using the Ultralight process. Its 660 ml capacity, 24.8 cm height, and 10.6 cm diameter give it a generous size, combined with the characteristic lightness of Ultralight.

Specifications
Capacity: 660 ml (66 cl / approx. 23.23 oz)
Height: 24.8 cm (248 mm)
Diameter: 10.6 cm (106 mm)
Material: lead-free crystal
Production: machine-made, Ultralight process
Style: pure and precise curves
Usage: wine tasting and enhancing the aromas of Grands Crus
Design: collection imagined with Fabrice Sommier, MOF Sommelier
Model: Dionysos
Collection: Signature – L’Intense

The LEHMANN Shanghai cocktail glass, from the Signature – La Créative collection, was designed in collaboration with head mixologist Florian Thireau. Its avant-garde lines celebrate the art of mixology and highlight the beauty of the most unique creations.

Handcrafted from lead-free crystal, this glass offers a capacity of 200 ml. Its height of 21 cm and diameter of 6.6 cm create a slender shape that adds a contemporary touch to the presentation of your cocktails.

Specifications
Capacity: 200 ml (20 cl / approx. 7.04 imp. fl oz)
Height: 21 cm (210 mm)
Diameter: 6.6 cm (66 mm)
Material: lead-free crystal
Manufacturing: handmade
Style: avant-garde lines
Use: cocktail service and presentation
Design: collection created with head mixologist Florian Thireau
Model: Shanghai
Collection: Signature – La Créative

The Hommage wine glass by LEHMANN, from the Signature – L’Hédoniste collection, was designed with Gérard Basset, Best Sommelier of the World. Its slender, sleek lines celebrate the excellence of wines from around the world and accompany the tasting experience in a spirit of passion, emotion, and sharing.

With a capacity of 720 ml, this model benefits from the Ultralight process, developed after two years of research. This technique combines exceptional fineness and optimal lightness for a refined tasting experience.

Its machine-blown manufacture, combined with the mastery of cold-cutting, provides durability and resistance while approaching the fineness and transparency of mouth-blown collections. Dishwasher safe, it is preferably cleaned by hand with warm water and no detergent, according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Specifications
Capacity: 720 ml (72 cl / approx. 25.34 oz)
Height: 23.9 cm (239 mm)
Diameter: 11.1 cm (111 mm)
Manufacturing: machine-blown, with cold-cutting
Process: Ultralight, combining exceptional fineness and optimal lightness
Qualities: transparency, durability, and resistance
Use: serving and tasting wine
Care: dishwasher safe, glass program preferred; hand washing with warm water without detergent recommended
Wiping: microfiber cloth for extra shine
Maintenance tip: a few drops of white vinegar on a cloth to restore the glass's natural luster
Precaution: do not twist the base and the bowl in opposite directions
Design: collection created with Gérard Basset, Best Sommelier of the World
Model: Hommage 72
Collection: Signature – L’Hédoniste

The Excellence wine glass by LEHMANN, from L’Essentielle collection, combines elegance, functionality, and pleasure to accompany your daily tastings. Its 300 ml capacity offers a practical size for serving wine.

Machine-made, it benefits from an industrial process combined with the expertise of cold-cutting, offering durability and resistance while approaching the finesse and transparency of mouth-blown collections.

This glass is dishwasher safe, preferably using a program adapted for glassware. However, the manufacturer recommends hand washing with warm water, without detergent.

Specifications
Capacity: 300 ml (30 cl / approx. 10.56 oz)
Height: 18.8 cm (188 mm)
Diameter: 7.8 cm (78 mm)
Manufacturing: machine-made, with cold-cutting
Qualities: finesse, transparency, durability, and resistance
Use: serving and wine tasting
Maintenance: dishwasher safe, glass program preferred; hand washing with warm water without detergent recommended
Wiping: microfiber cloth for extra shine
Maintenance tip: a few drops of white vinegar on a cloth to restore the glass's natural luster
Precaution: do not twist the base and the bowl in opposite directions
Model: Excellence
Collection: L’Essentielle

The LEHMANN Paris cocktail glass, from the Signature – La Créative collection, was designed in collaboration with Florian Thireau, head mixologist. Its avant-garde lines celebrate the art of mixology and highlight the beauty of the most unique creations.

Machine-made, this glass has a capacity of 200 ml, with a height of 17.9 cm and a diameter of 10.1 cm. It brings a contemporary touch to the presentation of your cocktails.

Specifications
Capacity: 200 ml (20 cl / approx. 7.04 oz)
Height: 17.9 cm (179 mm)
Diameter: 10.1 cm (101 mm)
Manufacturing: machine-made
Style: avant-garde lines
Use: serving and presenting cocktails
Design: conceived with Florian Thireau, head mixologist
Model: Paris
Collection: Signature – La Créative