Vent: A guy at a comp told me to wrap in butcher paper instead of foil. He was right but I almost threw a fit over it.

So I'm at a backyard comp in Kansas City last summer, first time doing brisket in a real competition. This older dude, name was Rick, walks by my setup and sees me wrapping in foil. He goes 'You're steaming it, son. Use peach paper.' I got so defensive. Like who is this random guy telling me my method is wrong? I ignored him. My brisket turned out good but the bark was soggy and I placed 12th out of 15. Next weekend I tried his advice with some Costco butcher paper. Bark was perfect. Moisture was still there. I felt dumb for being stubborn. Has anyone else gotten advice from a stranger that stung at first but ended up being the best tip you ever got?

2 comments

2 Comments

blairc907h ago

Stubborn streak ruins way more than just brisket.

hugos4614h ago

Yeah, that "don't steam it, use paper" bit is exactly what got me too. I was at a small comp in Texas and this old timer just shook his head when he saw my foil wrap. I remember thinking "who does this guy think he is, telling me how to cook my meat?" But he was right, the bark was always that mushy mess and I blamed the brisket or my rub. It took me three more cooks to finally try his way and then I felt like an idiot for wasting all that time. It's funny how advice you didn't ask for can be the best, but only if you actually listen instead of getting all defensive.