Bryan funny you've mentioned that about Kingsford. I don't know what it is, but I'm thinking about switching here lately. That is basically all I have ever used, but lately I have noticed a slight (very slight) taste of charcoal in my Q. Don't get me wrong, it's definitely not overpowering and no one else notices it. But I do, and I care. After my next two 24lb bags are done I'm gonna try some Royal Oak or the Wicked Good Lump and see if the taste goes away.