If I may - let me share a story with ya'll!
I decided this past weekend that after taking care of my prior engagement (I always go to Lake Houston, and play TAPS on the bugle, right on the water's-edge to commemorate those that have given their lives for our freedoms we so take for granted)...that I wanted to try my hand at smoking a brisket.
I 'inherited' a smoker from my pops, and immediately got to work on a set of b-back ribs. They came out perfect!
So, I made the move to try a brisket. I wasn't expecting to do that much work, but it was all worth it in the end.
-got said brisket fresh from HEB at midnight (that's when their placing the newest meat out in my store)
-marinated it for only about 2 hours, while I stoked a nice bed'o coals.
-used white oak first
-used hickory for 8 hours straight
-used more white oak to make sure it was done.
I smoked 'Betsy' for 17 hours, then wrapped her in 2x layers of foil, 4 towels, and rushed her EMT style to the nearest cooler.
The brisket was 17 pounds when I bought it (16.2 when I put it into the smoker minus the fat I trimmed off the cap)
But, enough blabbin - here's what she looked like when she was done!



I know she was a tad ugly on 1 side, but the rest of it was sooooooooooooooo good!
I'd like to thank my wife for doubting me in this - that's the reason I did it....to prove her wrong....lol.