I have been using my MES for 3+ years now, and never seen a pronounced smoke ring on anything that I have smoked.
I guess it's a trade-off for the convenience of an electric smoker. I would love to see a nice smoke ring, but being able to use the MES along with the AMNS and put the meat in at bedtime and wake up the next morning with it being perfectly cooked is worth it to me. I'm too old to pull an all-nighter now.
The brisket was even better the next day! It seems like anything smoked is better the next day after a night in the fridge, as the hickory flavor is more noticeable. Unfortunately, there are very few leftovers any time that I smoke something...
The ABT's were
HOT
, and I even soaked them in milk for 2 hours. However, they were worth the heat, but my kids couldn't eat them, as well as a few other family members and friends. I'll read more ABT threads and see what else I can do to tame some of the heat.
No pics of the pulled pork, as I did them and posted pics the last 2 weekends in a row. I have 3 racks of spares that I trimmed St. Louis style going in soon. I can see what Cheech and Chong meant...smoking is addictive!
Thanks for all of the comments, and have a safe and happy 4th of July!