The Search is Over!

Let me begin by saying that I have been a Royal Oak guy since I got my Egg.  I haven’t had any issues with RO and don’t have a particularly discriminating pallet that can taste much difference in smoking woods.  I’ve steered clear of commenting on any of the lump threads, because I figure everyone is entitled to their own opinion on what works for them.  

With that said, consider this a PSA - I picked up 3 bags of Western brand lump at Walmart this weekend for $10 per 30 pound bag.  Sounded like a screaming deal
. . . Until I opened a bag.  The pieces are huge, heavy and covered in bark.  They’re heavy because they haven’t been properly dried and are still full of moisture still.  I dumped some in the Egg to see just how bad lump can be.  Not only does this stuff put out heavy, stinky, white smoke the entire time it burns, it also stinks like rotted pine when it burns.  Bottom line, the search for the worst lump in existence is over.  I believe this is the worst lump on the planet.  I think I’ll toss the partial bag in the fire pit and burn it with my brush.  The rest is going back to Walmart.  May have to breakdown and give the ol’  Rockwood brand!