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What are you smoking it on and how big is it? Give yourself plenty of time, start really really early if you want it for diner! Like 0400. Most others here and I have experienced 18+ hours smoke for a 10 pnd shoulder doing low and slow at 225. Cook to internal temp (IT) though, not time and cook temp you may be used to. Normal temp I see recommended and what I use is pull it at 202 IT then let rest at LEAST 30 minutes before pulling. Look up finishing sauces using search function. It makes the meat very tasty and adds a flavor profile That blows everyone's mind! Here is a link to recipes for two I like a lot. http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/122319/jjs-finishing-sauce-awesome http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/51933/soflaquers-finishing-sauce-for-pulled-pork
You will probably stall at IT 170 or so. That is normal and May last a while. Many people wrap in foil to help bump it past stall!
If you get done early wrap in foil then old towels and stick in a cooler. That'll keep it warm for hours and keep cooking for some time too!
Be sure to go to role call and introduce yourself! Friendly people here like to say hello!
I hear those char grilled work well! Are you good with maintaining low temp? If not, I used to commit what some consider a sin and cook mine at 300. I couldn't maintain lower temps on my old offset because it was too drafty. Meat cooked faster, sometimes dried out, but always good IMHO.
You can cut in half, but the thickness matters more than the weight for cooking time. There is a great thread by @Gary, I think, where he showed how it works by cutting a butt in half and comparing cook time to one he didn't. I'll see if I can find it.
I grilled a 8.5 lb brisket last weekend and it came out amazing. I will post a picture in a min. This grill is awesome. I can maintain temp ant any range
Points for that delicious looking brisket! Oh man that made me hungry! And my apologies about mistaking your post for not being in roll call. Looking on iPhone doesn't always give a clear\full picture. Looks like your rig does the trick! Butt should be a breeze!
When i opened the package it was two shoulders in one. So i have two about 6 lbs each. Got one all rubbed down working on the 2nd. Gonna startry smoking about 5 am cali time. I will post pics as the day goes