What hickory adds
Hickory has a stronger, more savory aroma than oak. You will notice it more quickly, so it needs less wood and less time.
That strength works well with cask-strength bourbon, rye, demerara, and maple. These flavors can make a lighter wood difficult to notice.
Why it goes wrong
Two mistakes usually make hickory taste too heavy: using too much wood and letting it smolder without a clean ignition.
A heaped screen produces more smoke than the drink needs. Spread a thin layer over the screen instead.
Light the chips cleanly and stop once you have a steady stream of smoke. A slow smolder can leave a heavier barbecue-like aroma.
Getting the amount right
Use a thinner layer than you would with oak and leave part of the screen visible.
Ten to twenty seconds is usually enough. Hickory fills the glass quickly, so start short and adjust the next drink if needed.
If the first result is too light, add a few seconds next time. Once hickory dominates a drink, it cannot be removed.
Drinks that suit it
Try hickory with a robust bourbon or another whiskey near cask strength.
It also suits a rye Manhattan when you use very little wood, leaving room for the vermouth.
Demerara and maple are good matches because their darker sweetness can stand beside the stronger smoke.
Tasting it against oak
The easiest way to understand hickory is to compare it directly with oak.
Pour the same whiskey into two matching glasses, smoke one with oak and one with hickory, and keep the wood and the burn time as close as you can. Smell both before tasting either, with a sip of water in between.
You should notice the difference in aroma before you taste the whiskey. Hickory will be stronger and more savory.
When to leave it in the tin
Choose a lighter wood for a low-proof bourbon, a Whiskey Sour, or another delicate drink. Hickory can cover their aroma.
For a first attempt, learn the method with oak and return to hickory once the timing feels familiar.
Keep the tin closed between uses. Damp chips smolder instead of catching cleanly and can produce a heavier aroma.
Adults only. Read the user guide before use. Keep the torch, butane, and hot screen away from children and flammable materials. Never leave an open flame unattended.