1st brisket, have a few questions

[KyDog]

Brisket came out perfect, super moist ,melt in your mouth. 10 hrs never opened smoker, large water pan next to box, used hickory. Pulled at 193 IT . appreciate the help.
Dave

[swthorpe]

Perfect!  Well done, Dave!

[kz0m]

I agree with Kari, a lot of advice on different woods.  I do want to make a suggestion for this group, I have found, on eBay, an awesome place to get oak, not just any oak, it comes from the used barrels of Kentucky bourbon, and stills smells like it!  I used this oak and a small amount of mesquite for an awesome brisket!
You get about 80 pieces that are 1-1.5 oz each, $18 & free shipping. That's about enough wood for about 30-40 smokes.  Anyway, the eBay site is 111073541725 if anyone wants to take a look, I've purchased two and I smell the bourbon from the wood in my garage where I have it stored ;-)

[TmanEater]

Carl,

Thanks for the find on the Oak. I just ordered a box. For $18 it's a bargain.

[DivotMaker]

Fantastic, Dave!  Flats are hard to keep moist, but looks like you nailed it!!

[SconnieQ]

I have found, on eBay, an awesome place to get oak, not just any oak, it comes from the used barrels of Kentucky bourbon, and stills smells like it!  I used this oak and a small amount of mesquite for an awesome brisket!
You get about 80 pieces that are 1-1.5 oz each, $18 & free shipping. That's about enough wood for about 30-40 smokes.  Anyway, the eBay site is 111073541725 if anyone wants to take a look, I've purchased two and I smell the bourbon from the wood in my garage where I have it stored ;-)

Great tip. Ordered some.

[DivotMaker]

I still have half a box of 7-year whiskey barrel oak I got from Maine Grilling Wood.  Smells great, but it doesn't add additional flavor to the meat.  Also, it's really dry wood, so you have to wrap it to keep it from combusting.  Good white oak, though. 

[SconnieQ]

I still have half a box of 7-year whiskey barrel oak I got from Maine Grilling Wood.  Smells great, but it doesn't add additional flavor to the meat.  Also, it's really dry wood, so you have to wrap it to keep it from combusting.  Good white oak, though.

Think I'll vacuum seal it right away to maintain moisture (potential flavor).

[DivotMaker]

Think I'll vacuum seal it right away to maintain moisture (potential flavor).

Too late.  It's already really dry by the time it's cut from old barrels and sold.  I think I'm going to re-moisturize my by putting in a sealed container with a wet rag, changing the rag every day for about a week.  If you do this, you need to make sure to keep the wet rag in an open plastic bag, not just loose.  The wood will absorb all the moisture!

[SconnieQ]

Think I'll vacuum seal it right away to maintain moisture (potential flavor).

Too late.  It's already really dry by the time it's cut from old barrels and sold.  I think I'm going to re-moisturize my by putting in a sealed container with a wet rag, changing the rag every day for about a week.  If you do this, you need to make sure to keep the wet rag in an open plastic bag, not just loose.  The wood will absorb all the moisture!

Good idea. Wet rag, not in contact with the wood. Should help prevent potential mold issues.