Carlowrie Castle, in the outskirts of Edinburgh, welcomed a rare and elegant gathering of cigar and Scotch whisky aficionados. Meet the Makers, hosted by TOR Imports Ltd and Robert Graham 1874, celebrated the marriage of whisky and cigars and cemented Scotland as the new destination for connoisseurs.

Charatan was delighted to be part of this exciting event and proud to include a Charatan Claro cigar in the goodie bags handed out to each guest.

Taking place on Saturday 26th July 2025, the event welcomed 250 guests from over 20 nations, including the USA, UAE, Canada, Australia, Germany, Nairobi, and of course the UK. As attendees entered the castle grounds, they were met by a Highland piper and traditional dancers, setting a tone of celebration rooted in Scottish heritage. The makers themselves stood in profile, greeting each guest personally as if to say, “This day was crafted just for you.”

A global cast and a day of discovery

Drawing legendary names from the cigar and whisky worlds, Meet the Makers delivered an unmatched backstage pass to craftsmanship. Represented were iconic figures such as Abdel Fernandez (AJ Fernandez), Jorge Luis Fernández Maique (EP Carrillo), Litto Gómez (La Flor Dominicana), Nick Perdomo Jr. (Perdomo), Robert Caldwell (Caldwell Cigars), Steve Saka (Dunbarton), Christian Eiroa (CLE) and Thomas Gryson (Oliva), among many others.

Whisky brands included The Dalmore, Tamdhu, Bruichladdich, Isle of Raasay, Tomatin, Glencadam and Annandale, led by the likes of Mateo Ortiz, Iain Forteath, Scott Adamson and Professor David Thomson.

Needless to say, it was a true honour to have our cigar enjoyed by so many passionate people alongside these wonderful brands.

Seminars in tradition, innovation and pairing culture

The heart of the experience was the carefully curated seminar programme. Six sessions offered guests rare insight into the craft, from blending and flavour design to pairing and legacy.

• Tradition vs Innovation brought together Caldwell, Casa Carrillo, Dunbarton and Oliva luminaries in a lively debate moderated by Nick Hammond, exploring the relationship between heritage techniques and modern creativity.
  

• Oak and Smoke, chaired by Whisky Magazine’s Christopher Coates, delved into how wood and smoke can shape a whisky’s flavour expression.
  

• The Ultimate Cigar Pairing (with speakers from Boveda, Les Fines Lames and Lotus) explored accessories that elevate the smoking ritual.
  

• New World Then and Now charted the evolution of modern cigar making from CLE, Drew Estate, AJ Fernandez and Casa Turrent.
  

• Whisky Moments: Neat, Mixed or Paired? featured voices from Tomatin and Bruichladdich debating whisky versatility.
  

• 30 Years of Excellence saw Litto Gómez and Nick Perdomo Jr. reflect on brand heritage and long-term relevance in luxury tobacco

These sessions offered communal learning and fuelled fascinating conversation for industry professionals, enthusiasts, traders and consumers alike.

Entertainment with Scottish flair

As part of Meet the Makers, guests were invited to participate in a spirited Highland Games competition, complete with caber toss, tug of war and playful rivalry. In the marquee finale, Team Whisky narrowly beat Team Cigars, though both teams won hearts with their sportsmanship and laughter. Later, attendees reconvened for a Leaf & Malt reception, enjoying curated pairings of cigars and drams whilst mingling with the makers.

Giving back to our communities

The highlight of the evening was a charity auction, where unique lots generously donated by manufacturers themselves raised over £25,000 for charities working in Scotland and Nicaragua:

• Fe y Alegría in Estelí, Nicaragua, which educates over 1,200 children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  

• The Yard Scotland, a non-profit creating inclusive play spaces and support services for disabled children and their families.
  

• Lothian Children’s Deaf Club, empowering deaf children and their families in the Lothians region of Scotland.

Charatan proudly stood alongside organisers in honouring this charitable vision. Besides sponsoring this fantastic event, Charatan offered a true London experience price for auction: a voucher for a proper afternoon tea, cocktails and cigar experience, none other than at the iconic Ritz Hotel.

An unforgettable finale

As the evening progressed, energy swelled. The night closed with a raucous performance by The Rollin Drones playing pipe-pop that packs a punch, instantly taking the atmosphere from grandeur to pure fun.

Why Meet the Makers matters

For Charatan, this event was a testament to our values. Being at the core of such an international celebration reinforced our belief in tobacco culture’s power to connect, educate and inspire.

Our involvement meant speaking directly with customers, fellow enthusiasts and industry insiders about our tobacco craft. It was also a brilliant opportunity to demonstrate that British brands like Charatan are global in reach but rooted in care and quality.

Fond memories and looking ahead

Meet the Makers UK has set a new standard for events that combine craftsmanship, hospitality and purpose. In just one day, it offered an unparalleled journey through the art of cigars and whisky, anchored by generosity and Scottish spirit.

Charatan is proud to have played a part in shaping this unforgettable experience. Whether you joined us at Carlowrie Castle or cheered from afar, you were part of something historic. We look forward to the next chapter in this journey and to many more moments shared over leaf and malt.