I also add the defatted juices back to the #5 sauce. Yesterday I made some #5 but didn't have any juices so instead I juiced it up with 1/4 cup of 101 Wild Turkey, got to tell you it brought a smile to my face.I will usually de-fat. Sometimes, if my brisket is dry, I'll put some of the fat back over the meat with the juices as it can help with mouthfeel.
I LOVE adding the de-fatted juices to Steve Petrone's #5 sauce.
R
Meat drippings... Do you drink them immediately and even ask for a straw at the restaurant much to the horror of your GF? Well as a former vegan. Yes I do.