Anyone smoke with beech blocks meant for firewood?

[Vic.]

A shop near me is selling blocks of it for firewood, £4 for a large netted bag. I was reading on Stevie's wood list that its very mild and light flavour, good for fish and pork and was wondering if anyone has actually smoked with it?

Also would I need to examine it for those creepy crawlies Al was on about in wood?

[Steve]

I've got a stack of beech in the garage. I like it but it is very mild indeed. I quite like doing pork leg roasts with beech then letting them cool to be sliced up for sandwiches.

[Vic.]

how much would you use Steve?, say double the amount of hickery to get a nice smokey taste?

[Steve]

Even doubling up you don't get the intensity of something like hickory. It's just a milder flavour. I use a little bit more than I would with fruit wood and I don't go for powerful rubs or marinades which will just mask the smoke.

It's a lovely mild smokiness with a hint of sweetness to it.

[Vic.]

nice.....think i'll buy a bag for that price then