Try it again with the exhaust fully open and enough air going to the charcoal. Heat the smoker until the smoke is thin and blue, then damp it down to reach temp. Make sure you ain't using green wood, that will taste bad. BTDT.
Heres some wood advice.
Pick your wood like you pick your friends.
Look at it, make sure you know what you've got...
If your woods seasoned, test it. If it don't smell good, pass on it...
(We still talking about friends?)
Lastly... If you find wood you really like, take care of it...