Help me choose between Apple or Cherry for Brisket

[JayT]

Hey all, I have apple, cherry (and peach) chunks at home and I want to use what I have, rather than buying more wood. Out of these, which would be great for smoking brisket? This will be my first time smoking brisket. Thanks!

 

[DanHoo]

I'd lean towards cherry. Do you have any oak to use along with the cherry?

 

[JayT]

I'd lean towards cherry. Do you have any oak to use along with the cherry?

Thanks. No, I do not have oak.

 

[timothy]

Cherry will give you a nice color. Add a chunk of each if so inclined. ( I would )

 

[Joan]

When in doubt (about anything) I always vote APPLE!!!!!!

 

[DanHoo]

When in doubt (about anything) I always vote APPLE!!!!!!

I like apple with pork.

I'd love to try peach with pork. I've heard it is excellent.

 

[Joan]

Me too!!!!!!

 

[Chris Allingham]

Of those two choices, I'd go with apple. It works with just about any meat.

 

[Joan]

Wow!!!!!!!! I'm honored!!!!!

 

[Timothy F. Lewis]

I’m in Michigan, here cherry is pretty abundant. I like it a lot, nice color great flavor! Use what’s on hand, best advice!

 

[TimA]

Apple. Typically brisket seems better with an oak or mesquite but I’ve done with apple as well with good results.

Can’t say I’m a cherry fan for smoking

 

[Bob Bass]

Cherry is excellent for Ribs !
Imparts a great Mahogany color.

 

[JayT]

I like apple with pork.

I'd love to try peach with pork. I've heard it is excellent.

I have tried Peach with ribs and butt. It's excellent as you have heard. Fruity and mild, emphasizes the meat.

 

[Tony Coloma]

Cherry for color. Apple, post oak, .... for flavor

 

[Mike Shook]

If you had it, I'd 50/50 mix apple and oak. Second choice, apple and a little hickory.

Based on what you have on hand, I would lean into 75% apple, 25% cherry. The peach is likely to get lost, save it for poultry.

 

[Dustin Flavell]

Peach is my go to on beef. 100%. I live in oak country and it’s still my go to on beef. When I have pecan I’ll mix peach and pecan. Save the apple for pork and the cherry for poultry!

 

[Mike Shook]

Hey all, I have apple, cherry (and peach) chunks at home and I want to use what I have, rather than buying more wood. Out of these, which would be great for smoking brisket? This will be my first time smoking brisket. Thanks!

As you can see, there is no wrong answer! Welcome to the world of BBQ. Whatever you end up using, it will be a different outcome than what the next guy will get. Maybe you'll prefer it, maybe you'll keep playing with it. But there isn't a BAD choice, other than giving up and buying it factory made.

Enjoy the journey.

 

[JayT]

As you can see, there is no wrong answer! Welcome to the world of BBQ. Whatever you end up using, it will be a different outcome than what the next guy will get. Maybe you'll prefer it, maybe you'll keep playing with it. But there isn't a BAD choice, other than giving up and buying it factory made.

Enjoy the journey.

Thank you!