Gaby "El Chan" Memorial Pack

My friend, prepare yourself for a journey that is both bittersweet and unforgettable. The cigars in this pack are undeniably sweet, but the story behind them carries a profound sadness. Allow me to share a tale of passion, dedication, and an untimely loss.

At the 2024 PCA, I was introduced to Jose Gabriel Cruz Ayala, known to his friends as Gaby. A trusted confidant assured me that Gaby’s cigars were the finest at the show. Skeptical, yet intrigued, I decided to meet this artisan. From the moment I met Gaby, I was captivated by his charm, his passion for his craft, and his remarkable intelligence. I boldly predicted that he would elevate Puerto Rico to a new echelon of tobacco excellence.

Tragically, Gaby’s journey ended too soon—he never left Las Vegas. His sudden passing left a void that was felt deeply by his wife, Liz, who stood by his side at the show. Gaby left his wife and their three children to join his fellow master tobacconists in heaven. In the weeks that followed, we reached out to Liz, discovering her determination to continue Gaby’s legacy. We pledged our unwavering support to honor his memory.

Now, let me introduce you to "El Rubio," a cigar that was my unequivocal favorite from the show. This masterpiece features Italian tobacco leaves, cultivated in Puerto Rico and air-cured, not fired cured like Toscano tobaccos. These leaves undergo a meticulous fermentation and processing by Gaby himself. The cigar is adorned with a Nicaraguan Connecticut Shade wrapper, aged in Bacardi Rum barrels, imbuing it with an unforgettable sweetness. The binder is an exquisite Indonesian Sumatra, while the fillers—a delightful blend of Puerto Rican and Nicaraguan tobaccos—create a symphony of flavors on your palate. This blend was then married together by Gaby's own hands.

In this special pack, you will receive five of these extraordinary cigars, each a testament to Gaby’s unparalleled craftsmanship. These may be the last of their kind, so seize the opportunity to experience them while they last.

Savor these cigars and cherish the memory of Gaby "El Chan" Cruz, a man whose legacy continues to burn brightly with every puff.