Skyward Gate

Skyward Gate is the pure Virginia blend rounding out Cornell & Diehl's Summit series. Its composition is entirely whole-leaf-processed red and orange flue-cured grades, with red grades predominant. The blend is offered in plug form — a pressed block — and, like other members of the series, is inspired by American national parks; this blend's source is Arches National Park in Utah.

On the flavor side, layers of dark citrus, roasted grain, and baking spice appear over Virginia's natural sweetness. Since the plug form retains moisture, it can be smoked straight from the tin; the smoker adjusts their own cut by slicing and rubbing it out. Suited to smokers who like unflavored Virginia blends and pressed forms well suited to aging.