BBQ enthusiasts often wisely ask, ‘What is the best wood for smoking brisket?’ Like many things in life the answer is something like, ‘It kinda depends.’

Smoking brisket is a time-honoured BBQ art form that combines low and slow cooking with the aromatic infusion of wood smoke. The choice of wood used in this process plays a pivotal role in imparting distinct flavors to the meat, and it’s essential to select the right wood for you to achieve the carnivore’s utopia that is the perfect brisket. In this article, we’ll delve into the best woods for smoking brisket and consider what are the best woods for smoking brisket for your context and purposes.

Best Wood for Smoking Brisket: Enhancing Flavour and Quality

What is the Best Wood to Smoke Brisket With?

The best wood for smoking brisket is a matter of context and personal preference, and your wood choice can significantly influence the final taste of the meat. Each type of hardwood brings unique flavours and aromas, ranging from mild and sweet to bold and robust.

Some of the top choices for smoking brisket include:

1. Oak: Oak wood is a popular choice due to its versatility. It offers a mild flavour profile that complements the natural taste of the beef without overpowering it. It provides a steady and consistent burn, making it an excellent option for long smoking sessions. There are a few different types of oak e.g. post oak or red oak and they behave a little differently in the smoker. Post oak is a popular choice for smoking in Texas and it is less dense than other oak woods so it behaves differently in the smoker.
2. Hickory: Hickory is known for its strong, hearty, and smoky flavour. It adds a bold taste to the meat, making it a classic choice for traditional smoked dishes like brisket. However, it’s best used in moderation, as its intense flavor can become overwhelming if overused. Make sure the hickory wood you use is seasoned as unseasoned hickory can be bitter.
3. Mesquite: Mesquite wood imparts a robust and slightly sweet flavor with a distinctive earthy aroma. It’s also commonly used in Texas-style barbecue, where the strong flavour of mesquite complements the beefiness of brisket. Like hickory, moderation is key when using mesquite to prevent overpowering the meat.
4. Pecan: Pecan wood offers a sweet and nutty flavor that’s more subtle than hickory or mesquite. It’s a great option for those who prefer a milder, sweeter smoke flavour that still enhances the brisket’s taste.
5. Cherry: Cherry wood provides a mildly sweet and fruity smoke that can add a unique twist to brisket. It’s often used in combination with other woods to create a balanced and nuanced flavour profile.
6. Apple: Apple wood offers a delicate and slightly sweet smoke that pairs well with beef. Again it’s particularly suitable for those who enjoy a lighter smoke flavour.

Wood Choices for Texas Brisket

In Texas, oak is the wood of choice for smoking brisket. Its mild yet robust flavor complements the beef without overshadowing it. The use of oak (often post oak) has become synonymous with the Texan approach to smoking brisket, producing a traditional and authentic taste that’s cherished by barbecue enthusiasts.

Hickory or Mesquite: Which is Better for Brisket?

Deciding between hickory and mesquite depends on the intensity of flavour you desire. If you prefer a bolder, smokier taste, hickory might be the better option. On the other hand, if you want a more unique, slightly sweet and earthy flavor, mesquite could be your choice. Regardless, both woods should be used sparingly to avoid overpowering the brisket. You could consider mixing hickory or mesquite with milder smoking woods.

Best Wood for Smoking Brisket in an Electric Smoker

When using an electric smoker, it’s important to consider the wood’s intensity, as electric smokers (as well as wood pellet smokers) produce milder smoke compared to traditional smokers. Woods like oak, hickory, or apple are excellent choices.

Keep in mind that you will be using wood chips (not pellets or wood chunks) and you will need to refuel every 30-40 minutes or so.

Best Wood For Smoking Brisket: Franklin’s Approach

Aaron Franklin, a renowned pitmaster and restauranteur uses Post Oak to smoke brisket. This is the most popular wood choice for brisket in Central Texas where he is from.

Fruit Woods for Smoking Brisket: Apple and Cherry

Both apple and cherry woods can be used for smoking brisket to add a touch of sweetness and fruitiness. They are particularly suitable for those who prefer a more delicate smoke flavour. Apple wood contributes a mild and slightly sweet smoke, while cherry wood offers a subtle fruitiness that that is unique and aromatic.

In Conclusion

Selecting the best wood for smoking brisket is a subjective decision that hinges on personal taste preferences. Whether you opt for the traditional oak of Texas or explore the unique flavors of hickory, mesquite, apple, or cherry, each wood type contributes to the distinct character of smoked brisket.

So, fire up your smoker, experiment with different wood combinations, and savour the journey of creating the perfect smoked brisket.

You might well find creating your own custom mix of woods is what’s best for you.

Related Articles

• Smoked Brisket Recipe
• Traeger Smoked Brisket Recipe
• Smoking Tri Tip Like a Brisket

For another good article on the subject try ‘5 Best Woods For Smoking Brisket,‘ from the Bradley Smoker Blog.