I've noticed the difference in taste too, but I think some of that is the wood. I bought hickory, cherry, and maple from smokinlicious and while it is all good, it is different. I had to cut down a small oak tree in my yard (not sure what kind of oak) and decided to use a chunk from it on a smoke. The taste was more along the lines of what I am used to, so I have been using that since. Gonna try some plum from a tree at some point. I've also tried some big box store mesquite chips (with chip screen in place) and that was good too. I think central TX BBQ is usually oak or mesquite since that is locally available. Yes, I am spoiled and challenged by living near Franklin's, Louie Mueller's, Black's, Southside Market, etc.