It's all in the fire. I use real wood a bit of newspaper and one match. Absolutely no petrochemicals are used. Oak is my favorite but most hardwoods will do.
I like to use apple wood and hickory (not together) for pork stuff, hickory on the chicken and mesquite on the birds.
I use pecan. Got lots after last year's June 1st rain cloud blew through.
Persimmon is has a great flavor if you want to try it.
Whole brisket is 88cts per lb this week.