I'm planning on following Jamie's Apple Brine Turkey tomorrow on my Performer. I've done this a few times and I've always used a few chunks of apple wood.

The only wood I have at the house is Hickory and Mesquite. I know I don't want to use Mesquite. Normally, if I'm in a pinch I would buy wood locally at my Barbeques Galore store. They have gone under so I'm out of luck.

My only choice is to use a little Hickory or nothing at all. Should I use a little Hickory?

Looks like your in a bind. I would use hickory over mesquite, just don't use it for entire smoke, is what I think you should do. Hickory can overpower if used to long from my smoking experience. Don't ya have anyone you can call? Maple must not be a westcoast tree having never been out there my self. Stuck here in my bbq cave in CT Good luck Victor

I'd go w/ hickory, but only a little. Maybe 1 or 2 chunks. I was in the same dilemna a couple weeks ago. Darn BBQ Galore!! I ended up having to buy on line.

Most any fruitwood would be better, but you should be fine with hickory, just only use at most 1/2 of what you normally use in apple....

As Julia Childs once said "If you object to using so much butter....use cream."

I used hickory on mine that I smoked yesterday. I'd say the equivalent was one chunk or a little less.

Beautiful bird Kev!

I use apple wood when I have it, but I typically use hickory wood 95% of the time. When I use it on turkeys I use about 3 medium chunks and end up with a subtle smoke flavor, not overpowering in the least. The hickory will work just fine. Happy Turkey day!

Use the Hickory, not the Mesquite.

Thanks guys. I'll go light on the Hickory.

Jeff, where in SoCal are you? I'm in LA and I have almond wood to spare, and would be glad to share...