I've tried the minion method a few times now and done it a few different ways and each way has had different results
First time i tried it with briquettes which left a horible taste like it was over smoked. I've since learnt the error of my ways here!!!
Next time i used restaurant grade lump charcoal. I made sure i filled up my chimney starter and then made sure i had a thin cover of fully lit fuel over my charcoal basket. This was good no unwanted taste on my food other than what i wanted
Last time i tried it i only lit a few coals and dumped them in the middle of the charcoal basket. Now i'm not sure if i put too much wood on but it came out tasting like when i used briquettes.
I've heard a few people say that they prefer not to use the minion method, but i've never heard anyone say why they don't like to use it. Should i be lighting all my fuel first and then adding additional chimney's of lit fuel when i need to. And if i'm doing it this way would it be better to use some good quality briquettes like Heat beads or coco shell?