more brisket questions

[Neil Grant]

about to attempt 2nd all-nighter brisket cook..first attempt FAIL last year (smoker got too hot while I had passed out for a few hours).

three questions..
1) should I put a drip pan underneath to collect liquid during cook ?
2) is there any reason I shouldn't use a clay pot filled with sand as heat sink instead of pan w/ hot water
3) if I wrap it foil at 185 degrees at end place in cooler until ready to serve, will that ruin the bark ?

 

[Bob Sample]

1. Sure you can but if your foiling at the stall you should get lots of drippings from that.

2.no reason at all.

3. Your bark should be fine but pulling at 185 without probing to see if it is done will probably give you an underdone brisket.

 

[Neil Grant]

Is it OK not to foil at the stall and then only foil at end ?

 

[Bob Sample]

Sure is. I never foil unless I'm doing high heat or need to speed up the cook. Make sure you let it rest on the counter for 20-30 minutes before foiling to stop the cooking process.

 

[Neil Grant]

OK thanks so last dumb question..will it lose its heat on the counter before foiling/resting in cooler ?

 

[Bob Sample]

It will lose enough heat to stop the cooking process but will stay hot if foiled, wrapped in towels and placed in cooler for hours. If you foil and wrap it in towels and place in a cooler right away the brisket will keep cooking and you may end up with a dry crumbling piece of meat.

 

[Neil Grant]

thx for the wisdom Bob.