The Great Rib Rub Contest VOLUME 2

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thunderdome

Master of the Pit
Original poster
Nov 19, 2009
1,034
27
Casa Grande, AZ
The Great Rib Rub Contest VOLUME 2



Not too long ago, I made a post "the great rib rub contest Vol 1". The winner that day was the Plowyboys BBQ Yardbird Rub which edged out Three Little Pigs BBQ Rub – Kansas City Sweet. These were very similar rubs so it was a very tough decision, and if done over it could go either way.

After making the post, two forum members offered to send me a sample of their rub for the next contest.

Richtee sent me a vacuum packed sample of Mad Hunky Rub, and JustSmoke2 offered to send me his rub as well (no name for it, so I’ll call it JustSmoke2's)

The only difference from Volume 1, was that this time I made some BBQ sauce to accompany the ribs. I did not apply it, but just served it on the side.

This was the same format as last time

Meat: Spare Ribs – Trimmed St. Louis style
Rub: Mad Hunky vs. JustSmoke2
Smoker: UDS
Fuel: Kingsford Comp/Mesquite Lump/Peach Chunks
Temp: 225-255
Time: Approx 5.25 hours (3.5-1:25-30 method)
Spritz: Apple Juice (only once..see notes below)


Here are the 2 victims

 


These were buy one, get one free. So two full racks for $14 wasn't bad
http://s971.photobucket.com/albums/...B RUB VOL 2/?action=view&current=IMG_3878.jpg
 

St Louis trimmed. I didnt save much of the other meat since it has been goin to waste lately
http://s971.photobucket.com/albums/...B RUB VOL 2/?action=view&current=IMG_3880.jpg
 

Here's the sample of Mad Hunky
http://s971.photobucket.com/albums/...B RUB VOL 2/?action=view&current=IMG_3883.jpg
 

Here is the sample of JustSmoke2's, they're similar in color, but the Mad Hunky is slightly darker.
df18d1eb_IMG_3885.jpg


Here they are pre-lather. I used Maple Syrup rather than mustard this time. It worked great, and i suggest others try it
63063c5f_IMG_3886.jpg

 

JustSmoke2's after about 15 mins of setting in
db7c184e_IMG_3887.jpg

 

Mad Hunky @ the same time. My guess at this point was that the JustSmoke2 rub had more sugar in it
4a3908b1_IMG_3888.jpg


JustSmoke2's after 20

http://s971.photobucket.com/albums/...B RUB VOL 2/?action=view&current=IMG_3891.jpg
 

The Mad Hunky after 20
2151dea2_IMG_3892.jpg


Here they are at the 2 hour mark. Lately I've read a lot about how spritzing isn't as effective as we all think. Slows the cooking process, adds a cold liquid to a warm meat, etc. It made sense, so I had to try this batch with a limited spritzing
http://s971.photobucket.com/albums/...B RUB VOL 2/?action=view&current=IMG_3894.jpg
 

Close up of the JustSmoke2 rack
http://s971.photobucket.com/albums/...B RUB VOL 2/?action=view&current=IMG_3895.jpg
 

Close up of the Hunky
http://s971.photobucket.com/albums/...B RUB VOL 2/?action=view&current=IMG_3896.jpg
 

U of A 4-0
http://s971.photobucket.com/albums/...B RUB VOL 2/?action=view&current=IMG_3897.jpg
 

Here' they are before cutting. Got some MEGA pullback on these. Usually I spritz towards the end so it gives it a glazed look
http://s971.photobucket.com/albums/...B RUB VOL 2/?action=view&current=IMG_3898.jpg
 

Whipped up some sauce, which was slightly heavy on the pepper.

http://s971.photobucket.com/albums/...B RUB VOL 2/?action=view&current=IMG_3899.jpg
 

Had some avocados from Costco...Just posted this cause I rarely can cut and peel without tearing it apart
http://s971.photobucket.com/albums/...B RUB VOL 2/?action=view&current=IMG_3901.jpg
 

Close up of the JustSmoke2
http://s971.photobucket.com/albums/...B RUB VOL 2/?action=view&current=IMG_3905.jpg
 

Closeup of the Mad Hunky
http://s971.photobucket.com/albums/...B RUB VOL 2/?action=view&current=IMG_3907.jpg

http://s971.photobucket.com/albums/...B RUB VOL 2/?action=view&current=IMG_3908.jpg

b6ce1e11_IMG_3910.jpg

 

Now...for the part I'm sure you guys won't like....

Winner: TIE

This isn't a cop-out, or me not choosing which was the better rub. This time (which was different than Volume 1) it was comparing apples to apples. This one was definately apples to oranges. One rub was more of a traditional salty/sweet pork rub, and the other was a more peppery rub (similar to some texas style rubs I have), so this is where my wife and I differed in our vote. 

I'd love to try Mad Hunky on a brisket, and I'd love to try JustSmoke2's on a butt.  Both excellent rubs, and would be recommended to anyone by me. Thanks again for the samples to make it happen!
 
Last edited:
I have not tried Mad Hunky's or the one from JustSmoke but I can tell you that the ribs look really good from start to finish.

Nice smoke ring and if they taste as good as they look on that plate.. I'd agree that both of them are a winner
PDT_Armataz_01_34.gif


That looks a whole lot like my sauce recipe.. color and texture. Of course it may not be but then it could be so just wondering
icon_mrgreen.gif
 
Man oh man do those both look great. Sounds like you had some good stuff to test there.
 
What a great idea! Next time I make some "Squirrel Powder" I would like to send you some. I like the photos too, very informative and great descriptions, keep it up!
 
i feel like im hanging here lol all the detail you put into the whole test then blam its over with no winner? Great  post but ties suck lol
 
I have not tried Mad Hunky's or the one from JustSmoke but I can tell you that the ribs look really good from start to finish.

Nice smoke ring and if they taste as good as they look on that plate.. I'd agree that both of them are a winner
PDT_Armataz_01_34.gif


That looks a whole lot like my sauce recipe.. color and texture. Of course it may not be but then it could be so just wondering
icon_mrgreen.gif
You've got a hell of an eye for your stuff Jeff! That's pretty cool you recognize it. Only modified in regards to 2 ingredients (less ____ and a half the ____). It's always tasty!
 
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And you thought you could get someting over on Jeff. But your ribs look great and I hope you enjoyed them for now I sit here typing and drooling and wishing I had some ribs........Well maybe a brisket for later......There's one in the smoker now.
 
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