Wood Age?

[Kirk J]

Hope you guys tollerate me while I ask a few newbee questions, as I get started with my WSM. Anyway, I can easily find Hickory and Mesquite, and I've also been able to find bulk Pecan chunks, at of all places our local Albertsons grocery store. My question is this....5 years or so ago, a friend of mine cut down a large Pin Oak and I took alot of the wood, split it, and stored it in my garage to dry for firewood. Not more than a year after that we stopped using our fireplace, but I still have the Oak in my garage. Is it too old to use for smoke? It has never gotten wet since I split it.

Thanks
Kirk

 

[Guest]

Hi Kirk,
Your going to love that cooker. My advice is that only you will be able to tell if the wood is ok to use. Get a fire going in the cooker and put a fist sized chunk in, and see how it smells. If it passes the smell test, then proceed to step 2. Next, throw a couple of hot dogs on for about an hour, slap it on a bun, and take a bite. You will know right away, if it will be ok or not.