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Smoke Rings Overrated? #6169423 02/04/16 04:54 PM
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wacorusty Offline OP
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The Science of the Smoke Ring

And why it has no bearing on the quality of brisket.

http://www.tmbbq.com/the-science-of-the-smoke-ring/


"The arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and assistance to foreign hands should be curtailed, lest Rome fall." Cicero
Re: Smoke Rings Overrated? [Re: wacorusty] #6169459 02/04/16 05:24 PM
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bill oxner Offline
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I'm not much of a brisket fan either way.


Quail hunting is like walking into, and out of a beautiful painting all day long. Gene Hill


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Re: Smoke Rings Overrated? [Re: wacorusty] #6169518 02/04/16 06:16 PM
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bigbob_ftw Offline
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it's not a factor in judging a competition.


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Re: Smoke Rings Overrated? [Re: wacorusty] #6169562 02/04/16 06:50 PM
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good info as I have wondered about that. I grew up with my dad & several buddies doing BBQ catering for large groups, mostly volunteer work as appreciation for the group (meat provided). They had some of the best smoked brisket I have ever eaten but little to no smoke ring. Those that I have cooked over the past several years is hit or miss with the depth of the smoke ring ... never thought much about the science behind what causes it. Per the article, using greener wood produces more NO which in turn will give a deeper and/or darker smoke ring.


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Re: Smoke Rings Overrated? [Re: wacorusty] #6169580 02/04/16 07:06 PM
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its just a chemical reaction that can be accomplished in the oven with no smoke at all

a little tender quick will blow some minds when you cut into a brisket and have a 1/2" smoke ring clap


Attention rickym, this is not a troll post, just a good hearted fun type of post
Re: Smoke Rings Overrated? [Re: bigbob_ftw] #6169591 02/04/16 07:12 PM
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Originally Posted By: bigbob_ftw
it's not a factor in judging a competition.


I cooked in a few small cook-offs and the reason I quit cooking in them is they take volunteers to be judges. People who have no idea what constitutes good bbq judging it. Also cooked in one where my uncle cooked on a different team and his wife, sister, SIL and nease were judges... I just bbq for me and a cold brew now and its much better.


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Re: Smoke Rings Overrated? [Re: redchevy] #6169635 02/04/16 07:47 PM
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wacorusty Offline OP
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Originally Posted By: redchevy
Originally Posted By: bigbob_ftw
it's not a factor in judging a competition.


I cooked in a few small cook-offs and the reason I quit cooking in them is they take volunteers to be judges. People who have no idea what constitutes good bbq judging it. Also cooked in one where my uncle cooked on a different team and his wife, sister, SIL and nease were judges... I just bbq for me and a cold brew now and its much better.

Some of the unsanctioned comps do have amateur judges. I've heard smoke ring thrown around for years in competition circles.


"The arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and assistance to foreign hands should be curtailed, lest Rome fall." Cicero
Re: Smoke Rings Overrated? [Re: wacorusty] #6169834 02/04/16 10:45 PM
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All the above answers are right. But yes, to me is is rated. That's what brisket is supposed to look like and it is purely visual.


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Re: Smoke Rings Overrated? [Re: wacorusty] #6170674 02/05/16 05:09 PM
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I've heard Franklin himself say the smoke ring "really shows the judges you know what you're doing". I guess if it's put in at the right temp, smoked for the right time, and no cure is used, it should provide a pretty good bearing on the skill of the cook.. that's not to say a delicious brisket HAS to have one though!

They also say you should have a clear bite-through on your ribs and they're overcooked if they fall off the bone. Maybe in the pro's world but I do enjoy a good fall-off-the-bone rib!

Last edited by DuckCoach1985; 02/05/16 05:10 PM.
Re: Smoke Rings Overrated? [Re: DuckCoach1985] #6170677 02/05/16 05:10 PM
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Originally Posted By: DuckCoach1985
I've heard Franklin himself say the smoke ring "really shows the judges you know what you're doing". I guess if it's put in at the right temp, smoked for the right time, and no cure is used, it should provide a pretty good bearing on the skill of the cook.. that's not to say a delicious brisket HAS to have one though!


Franklin says a lot of stuff I wouldn't put much stock in


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Re: Smoke Rings Overrated? [Re: wacorusty] #6170678 02/05/16 05:11 PM
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see my edit above up

Re: Smoke Rings Overrated? [Re: wacorusty] #6171282 02/06/16 12:28 AM
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I agree on the ribs. I need a tug.


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Re: Smoke Rings Overrated? [Re: bigbob_ftw] #6171288 02/06/16 12:31 AM
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Originally Posted By: bigbob_ftw
it's not a factor in judging a competition.


Wrong bs

Re: Smoke Rings Overrated? [Re: garrett] #6171471 02/06/16 02:32 AM
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Originally Posted By: garrett
Originally Posted By: DuckCoach1985
I've heard Franklin himself say the smoke ring "really shows the judges you know what you're doing". I guess if it's put in at the right temp, smoked for the right time, and no cure is used, it should provide a pretty good bearing on the skill of the cook.. that's not to say a delicious brisket HAS to have one though!


Franklin says a lot of stuff I wouldn't put much stock in


I don't hear everything the guy says, but I do know that he does sell a TON of meat every day and people keep coming back for it and wait in line for hours so he is obviously doing something right. I'll add that I've tried several of his seasoning recipes and now strictly use those combinations and his methods almost exclusively, with great results. Salt and pepper really is all you need on a brisket.

As for the smoke ring. I definitely agree that it is not the determining factor between a good brisket and a bad brisket. I've had a few that didn't have much of a smoke ring and they were still awesome. Salt, pepper, good oak wood and a properly trimmed brisket is all you need.

Re: Smoke Rings Overrated? [Re: udamdan] #6171596 02/06/16 04:48 AM
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Originally Posted By: udamdan
Originally Posted By: bigbob_ftw
it's not a factor in judging a competition.


Wrong bs


Have to agree. People eat with their eyes too. Especially those who believe a smoke ring is a sign of a good pit master. Most folks don't realize what that smoke ring is, they just think it's a sign of a properly cooked brisket and if it's not there they question why and think less of the product.

Re: Smoke Rings Overrated? [Re: udamdan] #6171737 02/06/16 01:42 PM
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Originally Posted By: udamdan
Originally Posted By: bigbob_ftw
it's not a factor in judging a competition.


Wrong bs


Perhaps if you have a novice judge it can influence them. It is not allowed to be a factor in Texas BBQ competition. Smoke rings can be enhanced and adds nothing to the flavor.


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Re: Smoke Rings Overrated? [Re: wacorusty] #6172472 02/07/16 03:23 AM
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Smoke ring helps in judging at a competition sometimes not at all competitions. This is the best one I ever done and it took some time and it tasted fantastic.

Re: Smoke Rings Overrated? [Re: wacorusty] #6172609 02/07/16 09:04 AM
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It really is a function of the cooking process and material. BUT, it can be manipulated by using Tenderquick, or even by using celery powder in the rub. As several comments say, it has no effect on the flavor, but some people expect a smoke ring on brisket.

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