Tru Alpha Cigar & Trust U.S.A. — Council of Thirteen

 

 

The Council of Thirteen is an elite, invitation-only collective formed to safeguard the truth of the leaf and honor the soul of the cigar. Rooted in integrity, experience, and respect for the culture, the council is composed of thirteen men and thirteen women, each selected for their palate, perspective, and commitment to honest evaluation.

 

Council membership is held for a 13-month seat, reinforcing the belief that leadership is temporary, but legacy is continuous. Once elected, each member carries the responsibility to pass their seat forward—ensuring that the council remains dynamic, evolving, and grounded in humility. The flame is carried, never owned.

 

The council represents cigar enthusiasts from all walks of life—from seasoned veterans to emerging smokers, from full-bodied traditionalists to mid-ring and modern-profile enthusiasts. This intentional diversity ensures that every cigar is reviewed through multiple lenses, reflecting real experiences rather than singular opinion.

 

Members operate within two sacred circles: the T.A.C.T. Circle of Flame and the T.A.C.T. Circle of Fire. Within each circle, cigars are independently evaluated through thoughtful discussion, personal ritual, and refined sensory analysis—covering construction, aroma, flavor progression, strength, balance, and emotional connection.

 

When the circles unite, flame meets fire. The result is a merged council evaluation—a balanced, transparent rating that honors both masculine and feminine perspectives, delivering a final verdict rooted in collective truth rather than hype.

 

The Council of Thirteen exists to protect the standard, elevate the conversation, and ensure that every cigar associated with Tru Alpha Cigar & Trust U.S.A. is judged by many—but approved by the few.

 

One leaf. Many voices. One final verdict.