July 4th Smoke - First Butts

[tendriver]

I've always done briskets or birds, but pig is on the menu this year.  I'm cooking for about 20 people, so I'm thinking 20-24 lbs spread out among 4 butts.  My plan is to start smoking them the morning of the 3rd and re-heat the next day out of foil pans.

I think I've pretty well settled on rubbing with brown sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and a little salt mixed to taste.  Question is, will that stuff stick to the butt without a mustard rub?  I've seen some butts with a mustard colored tinge to the outside and I want to avoid that.  Also, what about a mop?  I was thinking Capt. Morgans and apples juice sprayed on but don't want a major apple taste to the meat.  Maybe Capt Morgans and honey?

Last question, for now.  Foiling.  Will I get much bark on the outside by foiling this thing?  We'd like to have some, but I don't want to be glued to the smoker for 30 hours.

Thanks!

 

[j-dub 7]

I don't think the mustard will affect the bark coloring on a smoke this long. My first butt turned out with a great bark and absolutely no yellow tinge - 

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/123377/first-smoke-pork-butt-today-some-noob-questions-w-qview

Also, I used no mop and no spritz, just a full water pan for moisture.

 

[jrod62]

Don't need mustard. I get the rub to stick without just find
( the mustard will cook off and won't have a mustard taste to it )
You do lose some bark if foil. I have finish it in the oven without foiling it
And had some great bark from it.
As far as mop. I don't . Every time you open the smoker you add cooking time.
Hope this helps

 

[rdknb]

you will never know the mustard was there in less you use a spice mustard. Just plain yellow mustard will burn right off.  I spray mine with apple juice, but Capt Morgan works too.  Just be fast about it. 

 

[sound1]

By the time you are through the stall, the mustard will be all but gone. If you are really worried about the flavor, you can send some this way for a taste test 

 

[dls1]

TenDriver - As the others have said, you don't need, and will never tatse, the mustard. Just helps in keeping the rub on.

Years ago, I would apply a coat of yellow mustard then sprinkle with rub. Then, I thought, "This is silly". I started mixing the mustard into the rub until it had a "paintable" consistency, and would apply it.

Later, when I was once out of yellow mustard, I decided to replace it with equal amounts of a neutral oil such as canola and red  wine vinegar. Added a little at a time until it was "paintable", and it's been my "Go To" method since.

Also, IMO, there are much better uses for Capt. Morgans.

 

[chef jimmyj]

I to was worried that mustard would spoil the taste but did it once on a whim and it is very true...You don't taste mustard in the finished product. With the Garlic and the Smoke I seriously doubt you will taste Captain Morgan on the meat and I have spritzed Apple Juice, Coffee and plain Water during different smokes and could not perceive a difference in flavor. I no longer bother spritzing...JJ

 

[tendriver]

Thanks guys.  I think I'll mix the spices into the mustard, paint it on, and then leave the smoker closed until the one closest to the fire stalls.  No mop or spray.

 

[dnic]

TenDriver - As the others have said, you don't need, and will never tatse, the mustard. Just helps in keeping the rub on.

Years ago, I would apply a coat of yellow mustard then sprinkle with rub. Then, I thought, "This is silly". I started mixing the mustard into the rub until it had a "paintable" consistency, and would apply it.

Later, when I was once out of yellow mustard, I decided to replace it with equal amounts of a neutral oil such as canola and red  wine vinegar. Added a little at a time until it was "paintable", and it's been my "Go To" method since.

Also, IMO, there are much better uses for Capt. Morgans.

On the butt I just smoked on Sunday I actually ran out of yellow mustard before I could even coat one side;  I had some honey in the cabinet so I used that and it worked out quite well!