What wood to use for Brisket?

[Michael C.]

I would like to know, what is the best wood to use for smoking a Brisket? In the past, I've used pecan, with good results. I know a couple of BBQ joints( Colters BBQ and Rudys BBQ) in Texas, that uses Hickory wood only, and another uses just Oak wood. What kind of wood that you prefer for Brisket, and why? I would like to play around with other woods for my next Brisket. Thanks.

 

[Tom Chips]

It's really subjective. This question gets asked a lot on here. Oak and hickory are common, and good. Nut wood, (almond,pecan,walnut) get used a lot as well. Fruit wood makes a good accent smoke. It is usually blended with a primary wood like oak or hickory. Mesquite is a bit harsh and bitter on long cooks.

 

[j. pavone]

I like to mix apple with hickory.

 

[Paul H]

I[ve used hickory and oak together and separately. I've tried mesquite and really like the different aroma it imparts. I think beef is a pretty hearty piece of meat so it can take a real robust smoke wood. I use the fruit woods on pork butts,ribs and chicken.

 

[tmfast]

I have been doing high temp briskets lately with great results. I have used hickory, pecan, and apple, but like Mesquite the best. Just don’t use too much.

 

[B Lauchnor]

I like oak and hickory combined. I did a combination of oak and mesquite and it was good. I'm not sure you can go wrong on brisket with just about any combination of smoke woods.

 

[Jon Merka]

the woods you mentioned in your original post are all superb for red meat especially brisket.

my favorite is oak.

 

[G.A. Green]

I was born and reared in central Texas - Hill Country area. OAK is king! Mesquite is good but oak is so smooth!