Mesquite will impart a lighter flavor than hickory, but it is still a popular choice for smokers; mesquite vs hickory is often considered when buying smokers. The sweet aroma and mellow taste of mesquite will make your food taste better than hickory. You can also use a combination of both types to add an extra tangy flavor to your food. If you're cooking for a large group, it's best to use hickory. It will make the meats more moist and tender. While both types of wood are excellent for smoking meat, hickory has a stronger flavor than mesquite and is, therefore, the cheaper choice when compared to Maplewood and other Hardcore Smoke Woods. Despite being a better wood for smoky meals, it requires frequent adjustments and can produce an unpleasant bitter taste if you overuse it. A good rule of thumb when choosing a wood for smoking is to let the bark get dark and dry before using it for your cooking.