Beef brisket in Hampton Roads VA

[bradley101]

I just got a new smoker and was wanting to smoke some beef brisket. From everything I have read the point is the better cut over their flat. Is this true and does anyone know where to buy the point. Everywhere I have gone only has the flat.

 

[forluvofsmoke]

You may need to hit up your local butcher for the point in some areas. Typically, the packer (whole) or center-cut (trimmed flat) are the only way to get brisket at grocery stores.

The point is a tubular muscle construction with quite a bit of intramuscular fat and collagen (difficult to dry-out) while the flat muscle is a fibrous construction that is very lean (easily dried-out with high finished temps if proper methods are not utilized). The point is very forgiving of the high finished temps necessary for tender brisket and is a good candidate for various prep/cooking methods...the flat, not so much.

Burnt Ends made from the point are a great treat, if you care to put a little extra time and effort. When smoking a packer, BEs are are a must around here...yeah, when you hit on a method you like, you'll want to make them every chance you get.

BTW, welcome to the SMF Family!!! Please, drop by the ROLL CALL forum and drop us a line so we can properly welcome you.

Eric