First smoke coming up this weekend. Suggestions requested.

[biscuithead]

Well local store doesn't have Larceny. Got Devils Cut again...will look elsewhere next week.

 

[bvbull200]

Well local store doesn't have Larceny. Got Devils Cut again...will look elsewhere next week.

Nothing wrong with that alternative. Enjoy!

 

[bvbull200]

I got the pit temp up and fairly steady at 240-241* this morning.  Meat went on at 7:10 a.m.  I was hoping to be cooking at 7:00 a.m. but given the late night with buddies and whiskey, I'm not too upset ;).

Temps dropped to 174* when I put the meat in, but have been steadily climbing back up and, cross my fingers, look to be holding fairly steady in the 235-240* range.  I have to just leave it alone, I'm sure, as I will drive myself nuts tinkering with it.

Everything looks good, though.  Time to relax a bit and keep the Maverick on alert!  I need some breakfast before I get back in to the whiskey :)

 

[biscuithead]

Dont get so drunk you forget the pics. 

 

[bvbull200]

This thing is just PEGGED at 241*.  I love it!  I did a little mist on it at 9:00 a.m. and the temp dropped as expected (200* or so).  I left the vents alone and made a quick trip to the store for a few things.  I got back 25 minutes later and it is just sitting at 241* again.

I see why you guys love this so much.  I haven't done a lot to the pit or the meat since I lit it up, but glancing back at the thermometer every once in a while and seeing it unchanged is strangely exciting.  I guess it is knowing that the long haul has a great payoff.

After the rub was added:

20130831_065738_zpse9f54a9d.jpg

• bvbull200
• Aug 31, 2013

Right when they went on:

20130831_070902_zpsb26e8722.jpg

• bvbull200
• Aug 31, 2013

 

[biscuithead]

once you learn where the vents need to be to maintain temp range you want...you just need to learn when to add coals. And to restrain from checking it every 5 minutes. Thats hard. 

 

[bvbull200]

I've done a good job keeping the doors closed except for when I am spraying them down.  If I had to guess, I have another 2 hours on the fuel that I started with.  I base that on nothing other than the peeks I took when adding a couple wood chunks to get some more smoke (twice).

I am obsessed with staring at my Mavericks, though.  I have a stogie ready and will be pouring a glass of White Owl whiskey here in a bit. 

Here is a pic from the 4 hour mark, just before I sprayed them down:

20130831_110851_zpsc62353af.jpg

• bvbull200
• Aug 31, 2013

 

[bvbull200]

Dont get so drunk you forget the pics. 

Ha ha...I just saw this for some reason.

Had to relax a little bit, so I haven't even started the whiskey *sad face*.

When the wife gets back from the store and can keep an eye on the kid, I'm heading outside and enjoying a glass, though.

I'm trying to stay on top of the pics, too ;).

 

[smoker20]

Looks awesome! I just made Billbos rub and BBQ sauce and it already smells great here!

I would like to know what your weight of the brisket is and then how long it took you?

I have 18lbs of Pork Butt and 13lbs of brisket for Monday and trying to figure how long it will take me?

Thanks!

 

[bvbull200]

The brisket is only about 6 pounds.  I've been between 239 and 241* all day.  I'll let you know how long it takes.

 

[bvbull200]

Now I'm settled in.

 

[smoker20]

That you are!

 

[bvbull200]

Brisket came off after about 11 hours.  Pork butt came off after about 12 1/2 hours.  The samples tasted amazing, but they are both resting now.  

Brisket:

20130831_180522_zps847a63cf.jpg

• bvbull200
• Aug 31, 2013

Pork:

20130831_193718_zps7e939182.jpg

• bvbull200
• Aug 31, 2013

The pork didn't make it as high as I wanted, but I needed to pull so I could let it rest.  It was easily probe tender throughout 95% of it, though.  If I have to slice it instead of pull it, that's okay.  Lesson learned for start times next time I make a butt.  Can't wait to cut in to them and taste the results.  Thanks for everyone's input and for following along.  I think this will definitely be good enough to get me hooked!

I'll have more later.

 

[biscuithead]

Would like to comment on the great looking pieces of meat I see in those pictures above but all want to do is go swimming for some reason. 

 

[biscuithead]

View media item 251591
That took up my Saturday.

 

[bvbull200]

That looks good, biscuit.

Yesterday was a ton of fun and, while there is certainly room for improvement, the results were easily good enough to have me hooked. Look forward to more cooks. Thanks for the tips and the discussion. Made it even more enjoyable. I'll have my last couple pictures when I get to a computer.

 

[smoker20]

Just fired up both mine at 8:30 tonight! Should be ready for dinner tomorrow! Yours looked great, this forum has been a great help!

 

[biscuithead]

Ill be keeping an eye out....got a new roaster/smoker im building but kinda delayed for the moment due to a drunk driver crashing into my buddies house where I keep my cooker/ supplies for the new one. Caused enough damage they kicked him and his family out of the house till they get it fixed and the electric is out for the moment. In a few weeks I should be able to resume my building. 

 

[bvbull200]

Wow! Hate to hear that for your friend. Glad they are okay, though. Hope the drunk driver gets put away for a while.

Any threads on your build?

I was thinking that us whiskey drinkers should have a thread mixing smoking meat and whiskey talk. Check in before a smoke with what whiskey will be consumed during tree cook or possibly make its way in to a marinade or injection.

Could be called the bourbonites or the bourbonditos.

Might be dumb, but I have enjoyed this discussion to the point that I hope we do it again!

 

[biscuithead]

nothing dumb about discussing whiskey. I did start a thread about it when I joined but like I said Ive kinda stalled for a bit due to circumstances. Ill pick up in a week or two here. Besides...gives me more time to overthink everything and design this thing to an absurd amount of un needed work. 


p.s they let the guy go to the hospital with a few scratches and go home....we found out he lives right by me in an EXPENSIVE piece of property. Buddies lawyer is throwing together a list of expenses not covered by buddies insurance and making sure he pays. Unless the state actually goes after him for the DUI that's all he can really do.    Your whiskey talk thread sounds good, not enough of it I think.