wood chips?

[ajsmokes]

I have a MES 30 and use it as often as possible but I have a tub of wood chips I've had for awhile now. Used them last week and my grub had a faint after taste that was kinda stale.. is it possible for wood chips to leave that taste?

 

[sfprankster]

Very possible. Lately, I have been experimenting with wood chunks that are fresher and seasoned, nothing that has been kiln dried. I have gotten away from the store bought bags of chunks as well, as I'm finding them well past their usable moisture levels. Giving, as you mention, a stale taste to everything.

I'm finding that it takes a certain amount of moisture to produce a flavorful smoke. Too dry, and it's difficult to taste the different subtle flavors of the different wood varieties. Too wet, and the steam collects as moisture at the top of my WSM, and drips onto the meat, giving a rather unpleasant flavor.

 

[ajsmokes]

Well crap.. lol. Now I gotta find out how fresh or old is a good fit for my taste buds..

 

[sfprankster]

That's the fun part.

You have to keep on smokin' to find what you like.