I've found it is best to peel most of the thick skin from the outside of the bulb before putting in the smoker, this definitely helps the smoke to penetrate the garlic. However, prepare to be disappointed since (IMHO) you will need to smoke for
at least 3 days to get any sort of decent smoky result. Then, when you cook with it, you will hardly notice any smokiness in the finished dish
. (I think that often it is best to add some cubes of smoked pancetta instead if you are looking for a smoky flavour. Having said that,
dried smoked garlic is high on my 'to do' list as an additive for salami.
Good luck
Ryan