First Smoke - Brisket and Boston Butt


 

John Kurtz

New member
Well I couldn't wait for Christmas and bought myself an 18" WSM. I live in a small beach apartment with a patio space already dominated by a grill, but I've been dying to start making my own amazing barbecue and I couldn't wait any longer.

I dove right in and picked up a 12 lb. brisket and a 9 lb. Boston butt from a local butcher, a couple bags of K and some hickory chunks. Started a ring of unlit coal, half a chimney of lit and about 7 chunks of hickory and I was on my way.

The meat went on at 9PM as I began holding a steady lid temp of 225. I sipped on a mint julep, cracked a beer and put the meat on. Brisket on top -- though from what I've read here since I think I'll try switching that up.

I caught some zzz's around 1 AM, but woke up at 4 (went right back to bed) and again at 6. This is when my temp began diving. I added some more unlit coals, stirred and managed never to dip below 200 lid, but couldn't get back to sleep. BBQ is tiring!

I foiled both around 180 for around an hour (in the future I think I'll just foil brisket) then finished. The pork was done at noon and the brisket at 1. We made PP sandwiches, bacon-wrapped smoked brussels sprouts, brisket sandwiches with caramelized onions and no. 5 sauce and some pulled pork buns. Everybody was sent home extremely full and extremely happy. This board was a major help, so thank you!

And of course, if you read all that, you deserve pics. Here is a link to the galleries. Let me know what you think!

http://picasaweb.google.com/j.h.kurtz
 
John,
First,
Welcome to the board!

Second,
What a great looking cook!
Two thumbs up!

Third,
You're gonna need larger bowls
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Keep up the good work!

Bob
 
John welcome to the board!

Looks fantastic!

Thanks for the pictures which makes your post a complete story.

I think Bob is right "You're gonna need larger bowls"
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Jeff
 
Great job John. I am also new and did my first 5lb. brisket. smoked it at 225-250 for 7 hours and thought it was done cause it read 190 degrees. The flavor from the rub and mop was right on by the meat was not soft enough. I will try a butt and leave these on the smoker for longer. I realize that these meats need 10-12 hours more or less. Thanks for the pics!
 

 

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