First Time Brisket Smoker

[nyrfan00]

Hey All,

New smoker here, and after successfully smoking some awesome turkey legs, I'm getting more ambitious and moving up to smoking a brisket.  I've done a TON of reading on this site and think I fully understand the process. 

Based on the brisket I purchased (12lbs), looks like I'm facing a cooking time of about 12 hours (give or take wrapping in foil) and about an 1-2 hours to rest.  My question to all you experts is, is there a better way to start this whole process outside of waking up at 3AM if I want to serve dinner around 5PM?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jesse t]

I think that you should plan for a longer total cook time, especially if you're working with a deadline and keeping the brisket in one piece.  I think 1.5 hours/lb is more the norm if you're going low and slow.  There are some "hot and fast" brisket methods that there have been a few threads about that you could search for.  I have had good results going low and slow until about 160, and then foiling and putting in the oven at 325 until it reached about 190 IT.  Don't assume it's done just based off of IT, though.  It's done when it's tender enough. If it gets done early you can keep it warm in foil in a cooler for a few hours.