Birch

[NorthernSmoker]

I am working on a formula for a Finnish Grill Sausage.  They are basically a lightly smoked emulsified sausage, slightly larger in diameter than a hot dog.  Finland has a lot of birch trees so that would be a "logical" local choice.  I'm curious to know if anyone has any experience in using birch for smoking meats?

 

[Norwester]

I've never used it but it is popular in Europe. You want to make sure its seasoned and remove all bark as it gives off a nasty black smoke otherwise.
Its supposed to have a flavor similar to maple and I've read descriptions ranging from it being mild and it being a strong flavor like mesquite. I'd imagine
that it depends on what type of birch tree it came from.