I've been battling the smoke ring dilemma since getting the last cabinet smoker done. Seemed like no matter what I did or what wood I used, I just could not get that coveted smoke ring. I know it brings nothing to the party as far as flavor goes but if I'm going to spend all day slow smoking a piece of meat, I want that visual effect of doing BBQ. I had a very informative and somewhat lengthy discussion with our good friend Eric (
@SmokinEdge ) and gleaned a huge amount of info from him. That conversation was a year or so ago but I went back and reread the entire thing last Sunday after doing the Dino ribs on Saturday with no smoke ring. A couple things jumped out at me which could be the cause of the issue so I did some basic mods last week and spent a lot of time running the smoker just to learn the ins and outs of it. No cooking, just learning the tricks of temp control. Well, with a tweak that took all of about 5 minutes to do but over a year to figure out, the dilemma is solved. I did a small trimmed brisket that I picked up from the new grocery store that just opened in town and decided to give it a run.
The brisket. Only a bit over 4 pounds.
View attachment 665967
They trimmed the fat cap down to about 1/4" but I shaved it down to about 1/8" and seasoned with Montreal Steak seasoning.
View attachment 665968
Smoker is up to temp and running some nice TBS so on goes the brisket.
View attachment 665969
For the second week in a row, TBS with the thunder clouds in the background.
View attachment 665970
At the 3 hour mark. Starting to take on some really nice color. Using B&B hardwood charcoal briquettes and hickory.
View attachment 665971
4 hours in and starting to look really good.
View attachment 665972
6 hours and the IT is at 180. It goes into a pan and smothered with a gravy base sauce I make, cover, and back on the smoker to finish. I forgot to take the pic before starting to add the sauce so there's a bit of it on the left side when I caught myself and snapped the pic.
View attachment 665973
Sliced some new red potatoes and onions, tossed with some of my homemade garlic and herb infused EVOO and SPOG. Onto a large piece of foil and a couple big dollops of butter. Wrap up tight and onto the grill to cook.
View attachment 665974
8 hours total cook time running between 235 and 240 and it's probing tender. A short rest and ready to slice. At this point I am praying to see what I've been waiting to see. Man, this looks really good so far though.
View attachment 665975
Nailed it!! Absolutely beautiful. Am I ever feeling good at this point.
View attachment 665976
A little closer......
View attachment 665977
Taters and onions done. I also made a quick pickle veggie salad while all this was going on.
View attachment 665978
Plated. Time to enjoy dinner on the patio before the rain comes back in.
View attachment 665979
Just had to get one more close up shot
View attachment 665980
After a very long battle, I finally got it figured out but never would have if not for the info I got from Eric. I did a few other tweaks but all I had to do for the smoke ring was install 3" flat stock steel at a 45 degree angle on each side of the smoker level with the top of the huge heat deflector plate. That directed the heat and smoke to the center of the CC versus having it just run straight up the sides and out the top stack. As for the dinner, we both agree that this was about the best BBQ either of us has ever had.When I loaded up Tracy's plate and asked it it was enough, her reply was that it was more than she'd ever eat. Next thing I knew she was getting up....to go get more brisket
It was fantastic!! I saw somebody not long ago (sorry, don't remember who) that did the taters this way and it seemed like a fantastic way to do them. I was right. The taters were perfect and an excellent side with the brisket and salad. All in all, an excellent meal. Oh well, I am happy. The smoker is a dream to cook on and now I have my nemesis off my back. I also need to give a big shout out to another good friend
@civilsmoker for some valuable info he shared insofar as the actual fabrication goes. None of this would have ever happened without the amazing people here in the forum. Thanks to all and God bless!!
One happy camper,
Robert
.
