Does the source off yoru smoke wood have a major impact on the flavor?

[Tom Raveret]

Does the source of your smoke wood have a major impact on the flavor?

I have some great Apple wood a friend got for me a while ago but have no Oak or Hickory for an upcoming Butt cook.

The only place I seem to be able to find Hickory is Ace or Home Depot. I used to order from Fairlane ( this was 10 years ago)

Does anyone notice a signifigant difference or a downside to using the packaged chunks they sell vs ordering it elsewhere?

Thanks

 

[Bob Sample]

I get my hickory from HD or Lowes. Most everything else I use I get from the tree.

 

[DarylB]

I've been getting it from HD and Lowes and dont notice a difference other than there is a lot of variety in the size of the chunks. Sometimes the chunks are monsters and I have to break them in half.

 

[Ron A]

I have problems finding anything other than mesquite chunks in the local HD and Lowes stores. It seems they carry mostly the chips and sawdust. But, I found some of the Weber wood chunks (Hickory, Cherry and Apple) on Amazon for about $8 for a 5 lb bag. I have a Prime membership so my shipping was free. Of course, I've also got about 1/4 cord of cherry drying out on the side of the house after we re-landscaped the front yard. That won't be ready until next summer.

 

[Robert McGee]

I try to keep my eyes open when I am shopping for ANYTHING. i always try to check out the grilling department whatever my primary needs are at the moment. As a for instance, I recently had a patio built and my wife and I shopped all of the components. When we were finished with "business", then I checked out the grill dept. - you'll be amazed what you find sometime - charcoal on sale, end of season specials, and even find that favorite wood chunk you have been looking for. Not long ago I was at Bass Pro for some shooting supplies. I made a detour of the grill area and found a very good selection of smoke woods.

To make a long story, short, smoke wood is where you find it - sometimes you have to just look around a bit. Some ACE Hardware stores carry a good supply. Certainly Home Depot and Lowes are worth a look. Even Meijers and Walmart have good selections, sometimes. Menard's Home Supply has a pretty good grill accessory section, too.

My youngest son lives 100 miles away from me and when he mentioned that he had to cut down a wind damaged pear tree, I had him save me a box of pear wood for my next trip there (or his next trip, here). Local tree trimmers are also a possible source. Maple, oak, fruit woods, and hickory are native to this area. There are ALL of those available in the area. Nearly everywhere we live there are local woods suitable for smoking. It can be fun to check it out. When you are thinking about a Sunday drive, make it pay by looking up local wood suppliers.

Just a thought or two...

Dale53

 

[timothy]

"Does the source of your smoke wood have a major impact on the flavor?"

Yes, I think so. Wood with the right moisture content brings alot more to the table than using old dried wood that has been sitting on the shelves for how long?
I get my Hickory, Alder, Wild Cherry and Red Oak from Smokinlicious and noticed a big difference in flavor from the get-go compared to the bagged stuff I always used. But taste is like to each his own on BBQ, some like a heavy smoke, some less and some are happy using wood pellets which are compressed sawdust and have zero moisture content.
I say use what you like and let your family and friends be the judge.

Tim

 

[Rolf Jacobsen]

"Does the source of your smoke wood have a major impact on the flavor?"

Yes, I think so. Wood with the right moisture content brings alot more to the table than using old dried wood that has been sitting on the shelves for how long?
I get my Hickory, Alder, Wild Cherry and Red Oak from Smokinlicious and noticed a big difference in flavor from the get-go compared to the bagged stuff I always used. But taste is like to each his own on BBQ, some like a heavy smoke, some less and some are happy using wood pellets which are compressed sawdust and have zero moisture content.
I say use what you like and let your family and friends be the judge.

Tim

Tim I agree. I placed an order with Fruita Wood in July for some Peach and just received a notice they are finally shipping. They won't ship if the moisture content is under 60%. While I still buy from HD and Lowes, the Peach I order special and you can definitely tell the difference.

 

[Alan F]

The bagged stuff is fine but not all bags are equal. For instance, Weber cherry chunks are great. The Texas brand from Do It Best stores, not so much.