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Meet the Makers Event in Scottish Baronial Castle | July, 26th 25
Inaugural “Meet the Makers” Destination Event in Scottish Baronial Castle marks unprecedented gathering of Global Cigar and Whisky Icons.
‘Meet the Makers’ is an exceptional charity event for connoisseurs and collectors from across the globe to congregate in Scotland’s Capital City for a unique opportunity to engage with the visionaries behind the world’s most prestigious cigars and whiskies. Set against the stunning backdrop of 18th Century Carlowrie Castle, just outside Edinburgh, Meet the Makers will take place on Saturday, 26 July 2025.
TOR, the UK’s leading distributor of handmade New World Cigars, together with Scotland’s oldest and most prestigious whisky and cigar merchant, Robert Graham 1874, is presenting attendees of ‘Meet the Makers’ with an unrivalled opportunity to access an exclusive gathering of world-renowned whisky and cigar makers – each of whom has shaped the industry with their passion and expertise.
Attendees will also gain unique insights into the craftsmanship and stories behind their creations. The line-up already represents the crème de la crème of cigar makers and whisky brands, including:
- Abdel Fernandez of AJ Fernandez
- Alejandro Turrent of Casa Turrent
- Bruichladdich Distillery Company
- Christian L. Eiroa of CLE
- Joey Reichenbach of Drew Estate Cigars
- The Dalmore
- Ian Macleod Distillers – Tamdhu
- Isle of Raasay Hebridean Distillers
- Jorge Luis Fernandez Maique of EP Carrillo
- Juan I. Martínez of Joya de Nicaragua
- Litto Gomes of La Flor Dominicana
- Nick Perdomo, Jr. of Perdomo Cigars
- Patricia Quesada of Quesada Cigars
- Robert Caldwell of Caldwell Cigars
- Steve Saka of Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust
- Thomas Gryson of Oliva
- Scott Adamson of Tomatin Distillery
- Pierre Jourdan of Les Fines Lames
- Sean Knutsen of Boveda
- Joshua Habursky of the Premium Cigar Association (PCA)
The founders and Master Blenders of these iconic brands will converge in Edinburgh for a carefully curated program featuring exclusive tastings, previews, and intimate seminars, all infused with the finest Scottish hospitality with a new world twist.
This destination event promises to be a must-attend for those who appreciate the rare and extraordinary. Delivering on an authentic experience of true Scottish culture, these renowned figures from the cigar and whisky worlds will compete in a spirited Highland Games challenge, set against the backdrop of Carlowrie Castle’s stunning 32-acre parkland, with the stirring sounds of pipes and drums filling the air. The day will culminate in a grand reception and gourmet dinner, followed by a charity auction in support of Fe y Alegría in Esteli, Nicaragua, Lothian Children’s Deaf Club, and The Yard Scotland. For those travelling from abroad who are looking to extend their stays, the event organisers have partnered with a leading destination management company to facilitate a tailored experience of Scotland.
Scott Vines, Managing Director at TOR, commented: “This is a rare opportunity to ‘Meet the Makers’ at this unique event at Carlowrie Castle next year. We are bringing together people whose family names represent Cigar Royalty, a privilege you can only get from New World Cigars”.
“We are giving leaf and whisky aficionados the rare opportunity to meet first-hand with the personalities, expertise and fervent passion of their favourite cigar makers from around the world and Scottish malt brands. Who wouldn’t want to mingle with both cigar royalty and whisky barons in the grandeur of a Scottish castle. This promises to be an exceptional and unmissable experience for the UK, Scots and international visitors”.
Stephen Johnstone, Managing Director and Owner of Robert Graham 1874, added: “If there’s one event to mark in your 2025 calendar, this is it. We’re paying tribute to the trailblazers of the New World cigar scene and the legends of Scottish whisky. We hosted a smaller whisky and cigar event back in 2019 to celebrate our 145th anniversary, since then there has been an overwhelming demand for another event, and with our 150th anniversary upon us, we’re preparing for our most ambitious celebration yet, which has a charitable aspect supporting local and new world charities. We look forward to welcoming visitors from all over the world.”
Daytime Event Running Order
11.00 am – Welcome
12.00 pm – Lunch is served
12.30 pm – Afternoon of Seminars commences
12.45 pm – Seminar One – Cigar Royalty
13.30 pm – Seminar Two – Cigar Royalty
14.15 pm – Seminar Three – Cigar Royalty & Whisky Barons
15.15 pm – Seminar Four – Cigar Royalty & Whisky Barons
Evening Event Running Order
17:15 pm – Highland Games
19:00 pm – Leaf & Malt Reception
20:30 pm – Dinner & Charity Auction
23:00 pm – Carriages
There are three ticket packages available for delegates with prices starting from £360: Full Master’s Cut – full event; Leaf & Malt reception and Group Tickets with a 10% discount for 10 or more Full Master’s Cut tickets. For those looking to visit Scotland and extend their stay, travel and accommodation packages are available via Horizon Travel.
Robert Graham 1874
Founded in Glasgow, 150 years ago, Robert Graham 1874 is a leading purveyor of fine whisky and cigars. With a commitment to tradition and quality, Robert Graham continues to offer enthusiasts an exceptional selection of rare single malts, hand-rolled cigars, and expert advice. The story began in 1874, right in the heart of Glasgow’s bustling trade hub, where the original Robert Graham, a former city Treasurer and proprietor of 20 establishments, left an indelible mark. Knighted for his contributions to Glasgow, his legacy lives on.
While ownership may have evolved, the company’s commitment to blending traditional service with a bold, innovative spirit remains unwavering. Step into a world of rare whiskies, independent bottlings, exclusive Robert Graham 1874 specials, and the world’s best hand-rolled cigars. Expert advice is always on hand, served with a side of warmth and camaraderie.
TOR: The New World Cigars Distributor.
Since 1992, TOR Imports Ltd. has been the link between the best of the best New World Cigars from Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Honduras, and Mexico, and top cigar merchants in the United Kingdom. Enduring partnerships and dedication to quality have established TOR as an industry leader in the world of premium cigars. TOR proudly represents and offers 14 of the 17 New World Cigars rated No.1 by Cigar Aficionado’s yearly ranking.
https://www.tor-imports.co.uk/
CHARITY PARTNERS
The Yard began as a parent-led community initiative in 1986, it’s an award-winning Scottish charity headquartered in Edinburgh offering play and respite services for disabled children, young people and their families. Its single powerful mission is to create thriving communities of support that profoundly enrich the lives of disabled children, young people and their families. Through adventure play centres located in Edinburgh, Dundee, Fife and Glasgow, which is opening in 2025, the charity offers a unique one-stop shop providing play, respite, family support services and vital community outreach. The Yard’s work has expanded tenfold over the past ten years and now they work with over 2,000 disabled children and their families across Scotland each year to ensure they have the best opportunities in life, positive mental wellbeing and can thrive in society and beyond. They have been recognised as a Centre of Excellence by The Care Inspectorate and a Centre for Innovation by The Scottish Government.
Fe y Alegría is a movement of Integral Popular Education and Social Promotion, firmly committed to making the human right to quality education possible for children, adolescents, and young people from the most impoverished sectors of the country. They provide opportunities for early childhood, primary, secondary, and technical education; training for teachers; and support the improvement of educational conditions. They indirectly and directly benefit more than 56,000 people, of whom more than 16,000 are children and adolescents who they serve through a network of 22 own educational centres nationwide and 107 associated and community centres, where they provide opportunities for early childhood, primary, secondary, and technical education; training for teachers; and support the improvement of educational conditions. Through programs of alternative and non-formal education, and social promotion and community development services, they work hand in hand with MAPAS (parents), young people, and community leaders.
Lothian Children’s Deaf Club: Empowering Young VoicesThe Lothian Children’s Deaf Club is more than just a community—it’s a lifeline for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and their families across the Lothians. Their mission is to create a space where children can connect, learn, and thrive in an environment that celebrates their unique identities. Through fun activities, educational support, and a network of understanding peers, they empower these young voices to be heard, fostering confidence and a strong sense of belonging. Every child deserves to be part of a community that truly listens, and at Lothian Children’s Deaf Club, they’re all ears.
For general information, please visit:
https://meetthemakersuk.com/
