I agree with your hickory/mesquite comments. I far and away prefer alder for salmon. Cherry is one of the most delightful aroma wise but I found with aged products such as mild cheddar it gets bitter over time. With stuff that will be eaten soon, as with most salmon cherry is exceptional. I've used maple also, but personally it is not a favorite. Just personal as a hell of a lot of bacon sold is smoked with maple.
Pete


'Often mistaken, never in doubt'

'Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge' Darwin