First Ever smoke - Pork Shoulder

[alanowski]

All,

Thanks to the amazing information on this site, and specifically the sticky on this board, I've been very happy with my first foray into smoking.

Started with a modified 'Kansas City Rub' I've been using on roasts for a while:

pork and rub.JPG

• alanowski
• Aug 14, 2012

Using apple wood for this turn - 2 hours in ( I had to open to put in some mac and cheese)

Pork after 2 hours.JPG

• alanowski
• Aug 14, 2012

After 6 hour smoke, wrap then brought to temp (8 ish hours total) and 90 min rest 

Pork after rest.JPG

• alanowski
• Aug 14, 2012

And pulled:

Pork pulled.JPG

• alanowski
• Aug 14, 2012

Results were very good, I was pleased for my first time out.

However, the bark wasn't very crispy and I am hoping for advice from some of the members to harden that up a little.

Thanks again everyone - I'm going to enjoy this new hobby!!

 

[s2k9k]

It looks really good!

If you want better bark then dump the water pan after about 3 hours and don't foil. Here is a really good method I have done a coupe of times with amazing results:

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/...mmed-butt-wet-dry-smoke-chamber-q-view-method

 

[big lew bbq]

Looks really good!  As far as getting the bark nice and hard or crispy, it looks like you are using a MES? If that is the case then you are using the water pan to do a wet smoke?  Try taking the water out of the water pan for the last hour or so.  Since you are using a wet smoke it is producing moisture inside the smoker, therefor you will not be able to get a hard crispy bark with all of that moisture inside the smoker.  Just an idea.  I'm sure their are a lot more knowledgeable people on this site that will have some other ideas for you. But I think since you are wet smoking I think that is or part of the issue of why your bark is "soft".  Hope this helps.  But the Butt looks great and I am glad you are enjoying this new hobby, once you smoke a couple butts you will find what works best for you and your equipment and you will start seeing perfection.

Big Lew BBQ 

 

[smokinhusker]

That's some great looking PP! 

 

[alanowski]

Thanks for the input everyone.  I'll keep on trying and see what the next cook brings.

 

[scarbelly]

Congrats on a great looking smoke and like the others have said - get rid of the water for better bark

 

[thrifty token]

Great....now I'm really hungry!!  Nice Job!

 

[schmedleyp]

Looks good, i justtook a butt out of the brine and got some rub on it for this weekend. Hope it looks as good as yours!