Cornell & Diehl Skyward Gate is the straight-Virginia entry in the new Summit Series — whole-leaf Red and Orange flue-cured grades pressed into a dense plug, with no flavoring, no condimental leaf, nothing to hide behind.
Summit Series is C&D's recent mainline extension: four traditional plug tobaccos inspired by the layered geological formations of the American West and the splendor of the U.S. national parks. Each blend was built by head blender Jeremy Reeves to showcase the natural character of the leaves themselves, pressed into dense bricks and allowed to marry under pressure for days or weeks. The result is what C&D calls “the pinnacle of our work with Virginias and condimental leaf.” Skyward Gate is the series' pure-Virginia expression — no Burley, no Perique, no toppings. Just two grades of flue-cured Virginia doing all the work.
Blend Information
- Series: Summit Series
- Blender: Jeremy Reeves
- Blend Family: Straight Virginia
- Components: Whole-leaf Red Virginia · Whole-leaf Orange Virginia (both flue-cured)
- Flavoring: None (unflavored)
- Cut: Plug
- Body / Strength: Medium
- Room Note: Pleasant
- Country of Origin: United States (Morganton, NC)
- Format: 2 oz tin
Tasting Profile: In Reeves's own words, Skyward Gate “reveals layers of natural sweetness, alongside notes of dark citrus, toasted grain, and baking spice on the palate.” The Red Virginia contributes deeper sweetness and a touch of tang; Orange brings a brighter, more citrus-forward lift. The plug format — pressed whole-leaf, then stored under weight for an extended marriage — melds the two grades into a smoother, rounder smoke than ribbon-cut Virginias of the same leaf would deliver. Slice a flake, rub it to your preferred density, dry briefly, and smoke slowly for the full picture.
For straight-Virginia smokers who want to taste good leaf without casings or condimentals, flake and plug enthusiasts, and anyone building a Virginia cellar. Skyward Gate rewards patience both in the pipe and in the tin.
