BBQ Failures hit a little harder

[ecowper]

The first brisket I ever cooked I bought from my local butcher. It was pretty expensive Angus Beef from Painted Hills and selected by the butcher. I really felt that I could turn out a decent brisket ..... I have a very good cooker (Hasty-Bake), great quality brisket, a solid plan based on Meathead's technique, and a lot of experience with other stuff like pork butts and ribs.

That brisket came out way over cooked. Dry and only about half of it was edible. Thankfully I had made sure to cook chicken and ribs as well and had enough food for everyone (It was a July 4th party).

I learned several huge lessons from that cook and went on to learn more the next time and the next time. But there were a lot of not so good brisket outcomes before I ever cooked one that I was happy with and friends/family enjoyed.

My two cents worth is figure out where you have opportunities to improve, fiddle with your plan based on that, and then get on the horse and ride again. And again. And again. :-)

[smokin fool]

I wouldn't sweat it, most of us have thrown a bad game every so often.
You'll get your game back.

[gboss]

"Probe tender" is very difficult to judge until you've achieved it for the first time. It should feel like the probe is going into room temperature butter.
When it's truly ready, the brisket will also be a little bit "floppy" when you pick it up. Give it a feel to see how it is just after you wrap it. That will help you notice the change when it tenderizes.
You're off to a good start and you'll get there soon, keep at it.

[FireMan]

Richard Chrz , master baker, pizza maker & father of the “infamous” steak put it best, there are no failures! None! Well, maybe once in awhile there is, but yers was the case of not achievin purrfection! Usually with us’n members the bar is rilly, rilly high. Go cook another one!

[Clawbear57]

DeusDingo thanks for the post. I will be smoking my first brisket in a couple of weeks. You have given me something to think about. Good luck on your next one.

[kenrobin]

I agree with what others said, every cook is a learning opportunity. Take note of what didn't go well and what could be done differently and better for next time. Smoke on!

[barelfly]

How’s that LSG cookin up for you!

[kenrobin]

It's still my favorite smoker, just wish I had more time for long cooks. I plan on firing it up this weekend!

[ecowper]

I will recommend my post on cooking Brisket. It's after I learned a LOT of lessons the hard way. Hopefully I can help past those bumps with it.

https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/forum/the-pit-mastery-program/beef-steak-brisket-roasts-prime-rib-etc/546242-eric%E2%80%99s-brisket-method