FOGO Imparts Minimum "Smokiness" To Foods--Or My Imagination?

[fkrall]

I just tried FOGO Premium after using Rockwood almost exclusively. My sense after two cooks (Halibut and then Portobellos) is that FOGO imparts less smoke flavor than Rockwood and other brands. Before my July 4 ribeye extravaganza, can anybody provide their perspective? Thanks

[SmokeyGator]

It’s supposed to. Charcoal isn’t supposed to have a smoke flavor. The process of making it charcoal is supposed to get all the "smoke" out, leaving behind only carbon. Sort of. That is simplified but not entirely incorrect.

Thats why you add wood chunks.

[Steve R.]

What SmokeyGator said. This is actually a good thing if you like to use a variety of woods with the charcoal.

[Henrik]

What the others said. It is a good thing.

[Troutman]

I hate being fourth in line...what they said

[Potkettleblack]

Burns hotter? So less smoke from drippings? Not that portobellos or hallibut are dripping much.

[radshop]

I'm just going to agree with all of the above, and say the same thing in more words - because that's what I do...

I bought a bag of FOGO Super Premium as my first time trying any sort of higher grade charcoal. Its benefits in my experience are (1) I get a good hot burn like I expect from lump, (2) the same kind of consistency as I get from briquettes but not from cheaper lump, (3) very long burn time that really makes the cost per cook lower than it seems like it would be, and (4) very clean burn so I get to decide what smoke flavor (if any) I want by adding wood, not taking whatever flavor the charcoal gives me. This is with just 1 bag - with more experience maybe I'll change my mind, but I'm planning to keep going this direction.

[JoeSousa]

I have been using a bag of the Premium (look at you getting all fancy with SUPER Premium) and I have noticed the same. When it is lighting in the chimney there is very little smoke. Much less than you would get with standard briquettes. So it gives a nice, hot, clean burn.

And if you close all the vents when you are done there should still be plenty of lumps to light another fire.

Overall I am a fan so far.

[radshop]

JoeSousa go super or go home, bro

[fkrall]

Many thanks, both for the info AND the quick replies. You've enabled me to confirm what I perceived was accurate, and I appreciate it. Happy Fourth!

[Mosca]

I love it. Agree with everything above.

[HouseHomey]

I got nothing. Do any of you use this in kettles? How long does it last v KBB??

is the chunkage way large?

[Mosca]

Got one close to the size of a soccer ball once. It’s not unusual to get an entire bag of softball sized lumps.

[Greygoose]

Thanks,,just bought 3 bags

[radshop]

I got nothing. Do any of you use this in kettles? How long does it last v KBB??

is the chunkage way large?

Showing off my stacks o cash to illustrate the chunk size.

[Mosca]

Yeah. Sometimes the lumps are so big you have to break them up some.

[HouseHomey]

I would have used a Cnote at least

[holehogg]

There are other cheaper products for lighting your lump.