When I first started BBQ in 2013, I researched for the best lump charcoal and it was this company out of arkansas about 150 miles from where I live in Oklahoma if I recall. Highest rated lump in the natiion according to this one web site where they test every lump.
It was called Ozark Trail and it was at my local market 1/2 mile from me .. for $3 per large bag.
I was in heaven with the charcoal and felt like I was set and would continue to have great lump the rest of my life. That was until like 6 months later when the company closed down and no longer manufactured the lump, lol.
Hasty Bake is based out of Tulsa where I live and they even bought the same lump used in Ozark Trail from that company, and rebranded it "Hasty Bake" on the bags. Hasty Bake sold it for $5 per bag .. $2 more per bag than Ozark Trail. I recently bought a bag of Hasty Bake lump and it wasn't as good as the old lump they sold, and it was a lot more pricey.
So I've always preferred lump, especially that lump. But since it was no longer available, and there was sale going on for Kingsford Blue.. I just bought a bunch of that and decided it was okay enough. I don't like it as well as the lump I used.. The lump I used barely left any ashes or mess to clean up. It also smelled better, and didn't make toxic clouds when first starting up in the chimney like the kingsford does.