Flavor Profile of Alder Wood
Very Mild Smoke: Alder has one of the lightest and most delicate smoke profiles of all the hardwoods.
Clean, Slightly Sweet, & Neutral: Offers a faint sweetness with an earthy, clean finish — very subtle, almost “buttery” in aroma.
Consistent Burn: Burns evenly and steadily, making it great for both short and extended cooks
Best Uses in Cooking
Alder wood is a standout for:
Fish & Seafood: It’s the go-to wood for smoking salmon — also amazing with trout, shellfish, and scallops.
Poultry: Great with chicken or turkey if you want just a whisper of smoke that won’t overpower the meat.
Pork (light cuts): Works with chops or tenderloin, especially when paired with sweet glazes or marinades.
Vegetables: Perfect for grilled or smoked veggies where you want the smoke to enhance, not dominate.
Cheese: Excellent for cold-smoking mild cheeses, giving them a soft, smoky undertone without bitterness.
Not ideal for red meat or game unless you’re going for a very subtle background smoke. In those cases, it’s best used as a blending wood with stronger options like oak or hickory.
Alder Wood
Please note that all wood dimensions listed on our website are nominal and may vary by ±1/2 inch or more due to the nature of the material and manufacturing processes.