thks all, sumosmoke i think the key is to make sure cook temp stays low,i did at 250, it got stuck on 135 for a while, was tempted to bump up temp but didnt, also followed advice from member and spritzed it with apple juice. flavor = great, rub hap PLENty of pepper in it but for first loin on smoker purty good!!! if wife eat, success haaaa