Well, bought several bags about 2 months ago. After 2, 20# bags, I found that they are ok for heat, however there's so much dust in each bag, that I had to sift thru all of it before putting it in the cooker. Can't say anything about the smokiness, as I didn't notice it in the meat. I ended up returning most of what I bought, because of the sifting thing. I'll use what's left just for heat. I'll use the $ for 100% flavor wood pellets.