Meet the Makers Scotland Raises Over US$ 30,000 at Carlowrie Castle
TOR Imports and Robert Graham 1874 brought together 250 guests from over 20 countries at the first Meet the Makers Scotland event held at Carlowrie Castle on Saturday 26 July. The sold-out gathering raised more than US$ 30,000 for charities in Scotland and Nicaragua.
Robert Graham 1874 and TOR Imports welcomed cigar and whisky lovers to a day filled with tastings, expert panels, Highland games and a live charity auction. Guests were greeted by the sound of a Highland piper and traditional dancers as cigar and whisky makers personally welcomed each attendee to the castle grounds.
Whisky and cigar fans took part in six panel discussions throughout the day. Topics ranged from innovation in cigar making to whisky pairing culture. The opening session featured Robert Caldwell, Jorge Luis Fernandez Maique, Steve Saka and Thomas Gryson discussing how to blend heritage with modern techniques in cigar craftsmanship.
The session titled Oak and Smoke saw Professor David Thomson of Annandale, Mateo Ortiz of The Dalmore, Iain Forteath of Glencadam, Scott Fraser of Isle of Raasay and Gordon Dallas of Tamdhu explore wood influence and smoke integration in whisky. Editor Christopher Coates of Whisky Magazine moderated the discussion.
In a session on pairing accessories with cigars, Sean Knutsen of Boveda, Pierre Jourdan of Les Fines Lames and Rosemary Sharp of Lotus spoke on the importance of design and function. The panel was led by Joshua Habursky of the Premium Cigar Association.
The seminar New World Then and Now examined the evolution of the New World cigar movement. Abdel Fernandez, Gerardo Turrent, Christian Eiroa and Joey Reichenbach shared insights on brand growth and market shifts. The session was moderated by Katja Gnann of Cigar Journal.
In Whisky Moments Neat Mixed or Paired, Scott Adamson of Tomatin and Abigail Clephane of Bruichladdich discussed the different roles whisky plays from cocktails to contemplative pours.
La Flor Dominicana and Perdomo Cigars closed the day with 30 Years of Excellence. Litto Gomez and Nick Perdomo Jr reflected on three decades of building legacy brands while staying relevant. The panel was chaired by cigar journalist Nick Hammond.
Guests competed in a friendly Highland Games tournament where Team Whisky edged out Team Cigars in the final tug of war. As evening fell, attendees enjoyed a Leaf and Malt reception followed by a live charity auction with exclusive lots donated by the makers. The night concluded with a performance by The Rolling Drones, whose mix of modern pop and Highland pipes filled the castle with energy.
Each attendee received a gift bag valued at over US$ 900. Contents included a cigar from each brand, whisky miniatures, a branded Glencairn glass and cigar accessories.
Funds raised from the event will benefit three causes. Fe y Alegría in Estelí Nicaragua supports over 1,200 children through education and food programs. The Yard Scotland provides inclusive play spaces for disabled children and their families. The Lothian Children’s Deaf Club empowers deaf children through peer-led activities and family support.
Organisers expressed their gratitude to the global community of makers and guests who helped make the event a success. Scott Vines of TOR Imports and Stephen Johnstone of Robert Graham 1874 praised the spirit of generosity and shared purpose that defined the gathering.
