Gonna be smoking a couple turkeys for Thanksgiving in my Weber Smokey Mountain smoker. I have a bag of Cherry wood that I've never opened. Anybody use cherry for smoking Turkey?I also have some mesquite, but thought that might be too strong. Don't have any more oak either.

Cherry would be okay IF your unopened bag isn't ancient or has been wet. If it is really old, I would go buy a "fresh" bag of apple or pecan.

Cherry will be great. Not only does it add flavor but gives the bird a nice color. I believe in blending woods to get a broader flavor profile. Don't be afraid to throw a little mesquite along with something else in with the cherry.

I use whatever is available in the wood pile - lots of apply and cherry - both seems to work well.

Opinions of Cherry Wood for smoking a Turkey | Good Sam Community

Wanderlost
Nomad II
Nov 23, 2017

The turkey turned out absolutely beautiful, gently smoked, tender and moist.
Wanderlost
Nomad II
Nov 22, 2017
WLToo is currently smoking a 20 lb turkey. He's using mesquite briquets and applewood chips (one uses what one has). He has thick cut hickory-smoked bacon on the rack above it as a self-baste. It smells wonderful out there.
Vintage465
Nomad
Nov 19, 2017
I think any wood that is sold or bagged will make good flavor. Cherry does make a nice color though. I've noticed that when making sausage and using cherry to smoke them.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Nov 19, 2017
Looks like I'll go with the cherry. Thanks for the good info
nypatnva
Explorer
Nov 18, 2017
used oak, cherry, apple and plum. like oak or plum the best.
Crabbypatty
Explorer
Nov 18, 2017
I have the same smoker and use cherry for everything. Its really great on prime rib roast...
dons2346
Explorer
Nov 18, 2017
old guy wrote:
I use a mixture of 50/50 apple and pecan

Yup, a very good combination.If you don't want to buy different woods, the a mild wood such ad apple, cherry, alder will work great. You don't want a harsh wood such as hickory or mesquite to over power the meat
old_guy
Explorer
Nov 18, 2017
I use a mixture of 50/50 apple and pecan
ADUS
Explorer
Nov 18, 2017
Cherry is great, I am using apple this year just for a change.
Super_Dave
Explorer
Nov 18, 2017
Wood can be debated but the real key is to not over cook. Knowing that the internal temp will continue to rise after being removed from the smoker, I pull at about 162-163 and tent with foil to rest.