My brisket turned into jerky at the 2023 Lockhart competition

I was running my pit at the Lockhart BBQ festival last October. Set my fire right, had my trim dialed in, but I got distracted talking to a guy about rubs. Forgot to spritz for almost 2 hours straight. By the time I checked, the flat was dry and cracked like old leather. I had to wrap it in tallow and pray, but it still came out tough. Judge gave me a 4 on texture and I finished 12th out of 18. Has anyone else blown a cook because you got too chatty with a neighbor?

3 comments

3 Comments

nora_barnes29d ago

Hey at least you didn't set your smoker on fire while networking with a KCBS board member!

mary83624d ago

Wait, you set your smoker on fire? How exactly does that happen while you're talking to a board member? Did the conversation just get too interesting and you forgot you had meat cooking?

jones.grace29d ago

Oh man, that's rough. A 4 on texture stings bad, especially at Lockhart where the judges are real picky about that bark bite. Believe me, I've been there with the whole "one conversation ruined everything" thing. It's crazy how one little break in focus can throw off hours of careful work. Mad respect for still finishing 12th and not tossing the whole thing in the trash. Sounds like you still came out with a decent brisket, just not the one you wanted.