Thought # 1- Not having used any other CS smokers, I can't compare the AQ's performance to their other models, but based on what I've read, I think the AQ, because of it's larger size and 750 watt element, requires longer cook
times and more wood. I'm averaging roughly 2.5 to 3 hrs/lb for butts, cooking at 235 (measured at the rack). I like a stronger smoke flavor, and to accomplish this, I have to load the wood box up with 6 - 7 good sized chunks. I bought maple wood when I bought the smoker, so that's primarily what I've used. I am such a fiend for smoke taste that I'll take the pork after I've pulled it and put my finishing sauce on it and put it in a foil pan back in the smoker and lightly smoke it some more.
Thought # 2- Thought # 1 is not a problem whatsoever. I am consistently getting great tasting pork, and I now know how much time to plan on.
Thought # 3- I just tried my first picnic shoulder. Mighty tasty. I haven't seen these around much but I will now keep my eye out.
Thought # 4- I bought Cookshack's Spicy Barbecue Sauce Dry Mix. A light shake of it on a butt sandwich is a wonderful thing.
It adds just the right amount of zing to the flavor. I'm finding I use it on most of my meat/poultry, regardless of if it was done in the CS or not.Last thought- I am enjoying my AQ to no end. I've succeeded in overloading my family with Q, but I think they'll survive
Thanks for listening. This is a fabulous forum.
Matt
