Ouch
Having never competed in one before my first BBQ competition was a humbling experience. Fortunately it was a learning experience from which I have emerged more confident.
The scores for both the Competitor and Vendor categories are up on the Roc City Rib Fest website.
What did I learn? I learned I need to invest in an actual smoker. While my barrel method is well suited for a lazy afternoon of drinking in the backyard it does not lend itself well to a timed competition.
My compatriot from Big Man BBQ and I set unloaded my barrel and his standard retail offset smoker on Friday evening before the competition. As we pulled in Saturday morning I realized how over matched I was as gazed at two large Lang smokers.
First and third place went to the two operators of these devices. Second place went to Swine Syndicate who cooked with a Weber Smoky Mountain.
This was also the Big Man’s first competition and, having not invested $4,000 in a smoker, finished only three points out of the money and fifteen points from first.
I would like to point out that I taught Professor Leadbelly of Big Man BBQ at least half of what he knows.
There are plenty of photos at the Roc City website and I will add some to the Flickr bar at the right of the page.
Next year I seek vengeance and redemption of my good BBQ name. Like Obi Wan I have only become more powerful than you can imagine.
There are also stirrings of a Roc City Rib Fest affiliated Chili cook-off in the works, stay tuned for news.
