So my LHBS is out of oak chips! I got some medium toast oak cubes last week, but after reading some responses in my post in the recipes forum it seems that these are better suited to long-term aging, not short term (less than 1 month) flavoring of beer, in this case an IIPA. I plan to keep the oak cubes soak them in port wine for a week or so then toss them into a porter for 2-3 month aging, but it's too late to order any online and still get them quickly enough for me to stay on schedule so I'm looking for some alternatives. (I'm busting out 2 batches a week in prep for a wedding in a few months)
I was at Sears today and found some Frontier brand apple chips, normally used in a smoker. They proclaim to be all-natural and free of additives, they also sell hickory chips. Does anyone have any insight on this brand, or other brands that would be readily available? Can you think of any reason not to use these instead of the type available online or at homebrew supply shops? It's edging on grilling season here in MA so I assume that any number of stores will have other, similar types available.
Thanks!