Howdy folks, I'm new here and I could use some help. I have a barrel smoker with an offset firebox and I've only used it twice. As far as cooking and usability (I hope that's really a word) it's great, the only problem is that there is a terrible taste to the end product. It's not at all what I'd call smokey, just bitter and nasty. I didn't use any dry rub or sauce, I wanted to get an idea (baseline) of the taste before I got fancy. Could it be the wood? I used wood from a pear tree I cut down and it was seasoned but had been outside and uncovered over the winter. Does wood "go bad" or could it be that I need to season my smoker? Thanks in advance for any suggestions.