In rec.food.cooking, Bruce Wilson > wrote:
> When I soak the wood chips for the smoker the water becomes a tar color, is
> this leaching some of the flavor, that smoking provides, out of the wood ??
> I am only soaking for about 30 to 45 mins as most directions suggest.
> Hickory is our main wood of choice over several others we have tried.

I am opposed to soaking the wood, because then it steams and sizzles,
until it finally smoulders, and only then does it burn.

I would use small chunks in preference to chips.

--
....I'm an air-conditioned gypsy...

- The Who