We're halfway through the first month of 2026. While the start of any year can feel like we're at the base of Mount Everest looking up with our hands on our hips and exhaling loudly, there are ways to help push us forward, like brand-new tobacco. Thankfully, Jeremy Reeves and the fine folks at Cornell & Diehl have been cooking up something special for 2026: the Summit Series.

Introducing The Summit Series

It's been a little while since Cornell & Diehl released an extension to their mainline portfolio. This year C&D is proud to release the Summit Series, an inspired celebration of the layered geological features of the American West. This line represents the pinnacle of C&D's work with Virginias and condimental leaf, displayed through both visually stunning bricks of tobacco and their delectable flavor profiles.

Every entry in the Summit Series is a classic plug tobacco. For those newcomers — or those who need a refresher — plug-cut is a type of pressed pipe tobacco. It essentially is flake pipe tobacco before it's been cut into flakes. The whole leaf tobacco is pressed together and put under pressure for a range of time, sometimes days or a few weeks depending on the blend. It's this pressing where the magic happens; it melds and changes the actual components by joining their flavors and creating these rich tapestries of taste.

Pressed tobacco is exceptional straight out of the tin thanks to this, but even better is when you age it. Another perk of plugs is full control over the smoke itself. You can cut the plug into flakes, cut off a bit and chop it up real fine, do a rough cube cut, and so forth. Jeremy Reeves, Head Blender at C&D, shared that this was an important part of the series to him: "We wanted to empower smokers to enjoy these in the way that suits them."

There are four blends in the Summit Series: Hoodoo Ridge, Lone Sentinel, Watchman's Reach, and Skyward Gate. Each features artwork inspired by the majestic beauty of the West to whisk you away before you even open the tin. Let's get into the finer details of what makes each blend special.

The Blends

Hoodoo Ridge

Starting the series is Hoodoo Ridge. It's composed of a diverse blend of whole-leaf Bright and Red Virginias, genuine St. James Perique, and Izmir Turkish. It's a one-of-a-kind Va/Or/Per (Virginia, Oriental, Perique) plug that reveals a complex terrain of flavors. "It has notes of deep stone fruits," shares Reeves, "with this really bright citrus that's accompanied by these delicate floral elements and nuanced spice. It's got a lot of depth; It's something you can get lost in."

Lone Sentinel

Next up is Lone Sentinel. The classics stand the test of time. It is a more traditional Va/Per that has a rich and commanding presence with its blend of whole-leaf Red and Orange Virginias and pure St. James Perique. Reeves calls it "a layered exploration of flavors with piquant spice, fermented stone fruits, and this gentle citrus tone that rounds it out."

Watchman's Reach

Keeping a steady vigil is Watchman's Reach. Standing tall and ever-ready, this reliable, steady blend of whole-leaf Bright and Lemon flue-cured grades is a rustic Virginia plug that rises to great heights. Watchman's Reach offers a body of natural sweetness enhanced by notes of bright citrus, hay, and baked goods. It's a great smoke to start the morning off right, or a smoke that offers a little reprieve in the middle of a busy day.

Skyward Gate

Finally, finishing off the series is Skyward Gate. Another timeless pure Virginia, it's an impossibly balanced blend of whole-leaf Red and Orange flue-cured grades. "Skyward Gate reveals layers of natural sweetness," says Reeves, "alongside notes of dark citrus, toasted grain, and baking spice on the palate."

When To Expect the Summit Series

If I've done my job right, then I hope you're looking forward to giving these blends a whirl. Cornell & Diehl's Summit Series will arrive on January 20 at 6:00 p.m. ET. Like I said, these aren't a Small Batch; they're here to stay, so if you miss the first round, just know that there is more to come.

Which of the Summit Series are you trying first? I'm also curious if anyone has been out West, and their experience. I've always been captivated by the natural beauty of it all. Let me know in the comments below, and happy smokes!