Using maple or walnut as a smoking wood?

[Steve W in NC]

In the past I have tended to use cherry and apple as the primary wood for smoking. Does anyone out there use walnut or maple. I do some furniture making as a hobby and have some leftover maple and walnut and wondered how well they worked.

 

[Don Irish]

I just did a chicken 2 days ago with one hunk of apple and one of walnut - was fantastic. Walnut has the rep of being rather strong, more so than hickory so I was advised to use a small amount. I've seen some posts that say it is too strong to use. I'll use it again as the flavor was great. I often mix apple and hickory. I have not tried maple yet.

 

[Bryan S]

I use black walnut but be careful, it's strong stuff. Sugar Maple is a very popular wood to use here on the forum. Recent Sugar Maple thread.

 

[Rick Angiel]

I used sugar maple for the first time for todays dinner. The pork butts and brisket were wonderful. I will not hesitate to use it again.

Rick

 

[Lee Morris]

I'll second Rick's opinion. I love sugar maple. Has probably become my favorite wood for butts.

 

[Chris Derum]

I use maple quite a bit. Usually combine it with apple or cherry.