Three Rivers Festival It was bittersweet at the Three Rivers Festival in Haselhurst, Georiga this past weekend, as it was the 9th and final festival to be hosted by Jim Sewell, in the small southern town. Organizer Jim Sewell held back tears as he dropped the news on 23 Georgia Barbecue Association cook teams during Friday evening’s cooks’ meeting. “I really struggled with this decision specifically because of the many fine people I have met by putting on this contest,” lamented Jim. ” I will always be grateful to those who supported our contest over the years.” Doug and I are very sad about the demise of the Three Rivers Festival. Our…
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Loin Test Cook Pays Off at BBQ & Brews Cartersville
As some of you MAY know, Doug and I did a PORK LOIN test cook, at our house; well, it paid off at our first competition since the test cook – 4 PLACE IN PORK LOIN! What do I mean by test cook? We strategically applied four different flavor profiles to four different pork loins. We used standard 5 lb. pork loins, which the Georgia Barbecue Association requires. The flavor profiles included various rubs, sauces, and injections. Upon gathering about a dozen friends and family (NONE of which are certified barbecue judges)- we gave them a crash course in GBA judging rules. We set up our garage as a mock…
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Barbecue at the Fire Ant Festival 2018
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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Judging in the Georgia Barbecue Association
If you like lip-licking, delicious barbecue prepared by some of the best competitive pitmasters in the country, then you should consider judging barbecue in the Georgia Barbecue Association. Smokin J’s Barbeque is not only a professional cook team in the GBA, but we are also certified judges, for the association. We learned a tremendous amount during our training, which helped elevate our cooking game. Several opportunities are approaching if you want to become a judge in the GBA. Prerequisites for Being a Judge You probably should love barbecue – lol! Like family-friendly events! Can dedicate a few weekends a year to enjoying fellowship with other barbecue connoisseurs. Class attendees…
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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…
