Yeah, I really like smoking with fruit woods. I use them on pretty much everything so you know where I'm coming from.
I kind of like the little bit of a sweet wood with some good heat.
As for the coffee grinder, it's a "pepper only" grinder and the dust will probably not go well with ground coffee. I think I spent around $30 for it and that's all I use it for.
As for a cool summer, I know that story. Been a tough one out here as well plus all the hail we've had and continue to have.
As for the pequin, haven't grown them or really ever had them. I hear very good things about them though. We have some very good spice stores here and I figured next time I'm down, I need to pick some up and give them a shot.