It was not the weekend we were hoping for at the Fire Ant Barbecue Festival 2018. Unable to get a call for our barbecue pork, loin, or ribs, we finished 24 out of 42 teams competing. This was our first competition with our new Stump Smoker. The new gravity-fed smoker worked great and kept a consistent temperature for over 14 hours straight. However, our timing was a bit off. We felt our loin was the most tender entry we have ever submitted; even scoring as the best on the table by one judge, and second-best by two other judges; however, it could not compete with Rescue Smokers first place loin. …
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GBA Dominates the Big Pig Jig
The annual Big Pig Jig in Vienna, Georgia may attract teams from all over the nation, but this year, Georgia Barbecue Association members dominated the categories, including Grand Champion to Bubba Grills. Smokin J’s Barbeque did not compete in the Big Pig Jig; however, Doug, our pit master, did work with 2nd place Whole Hog winner, Rescue Smokers. We do not have whole hog experience, nor a cooker to hold a minimum 85 lb hog, so Robby Royal, whom you may have seen on television, winning the 2013 BBQ Pitmasters Competition; allowed Doug to participate on his cook team. “It was an honor to work with a Pitmaster Champion,” said…
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Ribs Win Grand Championship for Smokin J’s Barbeque
After four years of competing against the toughest barbecue teams in the country, we finally won our first GRAND CHAMPIONSHIP! Our rib category entry was good enough to carry the big trophy home! BBQ & Brews Cadence Fair started like any other competition for us. Arriving in our huge rig, proved to be a slight challenge for organizers. Those who do not participate in competitive barbecue are not aware of the hard work, organizers and promoters endure to pull off one of these events. Gary Lamb, Kristen Cash-Raines and the entire BBQ and Brews team work to put on the best festival event in North Georgia. We look forward to…
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Smokin J’s in the GBA
Smokin J’s Barbeque has completed our FORTH year in the Georgia Barbecue Association. Although we did not cook in any competitions this year, both of us enjoyed judging at several contest this year. Smokin J’s Barbeque will kick off the 2017 – 2018 season by competing at Smokin Up The Mountains in East Ellijay, Georgia, Labor Day weekend. Smokin J’s Barbeque Team Smokin J’s Barbeque consist of husband and wife team, Doug and JoAnn Johnson. We compete and cook exclusively on ceramic, Kamado-style vessels. A kamado is a traditional Japanese wood or charcoal fueled cook stove. Pit Master, Doug started cooking on this vessel after attending a cooking festival, which…
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Friends and Family at BBQ and Brews
Had a great weekend at the 2nd annual Barbecue and Brews Canton Festival. Promoter and organizer, Gary Lamb knows how to put on an event. His lives by his mantra, “promote it and they will come.” Over 15,000 people attended the two-day festival which included music, craft vendors, plenty of food and a Georgia Barbecue Association’s sanctioned competition. The weather cleared out on Friday afternoon to a beautiful, although unusually warm May event. Friends, Family and Barbecue Doug and I want to truly thank our friends and family for visiting us throughout the event. Although Smokin J’s Barbeque did not compete in this event, we enjoyed judging…
