You guys pretty much nailed it with the input.
Buckie, it definitely needed more air. I lit a FULL chimney of it, and it was a fireworks show. Full chimney was blazing at 14 minutes. Dumped it in single layer for a direct cook of some boneless thighs, added the lid, waited a few minutes, then added chicken and covered. After 10 minutes, the coal needed more air. I left the cover off for a few, then covered with the lid ajar slightly, which gave me the air I needed for full ignition.
WNC, I would have benefited to add some fuel after the dump, as I needed more a bit into the cook.
Addicted to smoke, Yep, spot on. I ran the ash sweeper a few minutes into the cook, and there were lump pieces that had gone through.
This stuff does burn hot with enough air flow. I have seen all the fuss about Kingsford with the white chemical smoke on ignition, this stuff had white smoke too, though it was significantly less and didn't smell as bad. It was a good cookup with the lump. There are some huge pieces in that bag, small logs even.
I do like the consistency of Kingsford, it is apparent in only one cook of lump. So off to HD to stock up on the 36 lbs. for $10, can't beat it.
Sauce