USDA Select vs Choice - Brisket

[Monty House]

Bought two cryovac'd briskets at a store that supplies restaurants & delis and discovered it was USDA Select when I got it home. I've bought brisket from them in the past, and it's always been good. This was the first time I noticed the grading.

Anyhow, did a midnight cook (16 hours for 27 lbs. of meat). Pecan, apple and hickory mix. Pulled at around 191. Folks loved it. My take is Select seems to work fine!

 

[James Trapp]

The flat does not have much fat in it even with the choice briskets so I doubt if there is much of a difference between the two. The point may be a different story. As long as there is enough fat on the cap you should be able to keep the meat moist.