[lindbhr]

My best brisket results come from using prime cut which I get from Costco. Now that it's up to $3.99/lb., I do look for brisket on sale. Yesterday I got a choice cut 14.5 lb for $1.99/lb at Kroger. I use oak, Koser salt and 16 mesh pepper rub, and wrap it butcher paper about 7 hours into the cook. Choice takes a little longer than a prime cut to smoke, but briskets can be unpredictable. This ~ 12.5 lb. brisket was only at 185 degrees after 16 hrs. I can't explain why this took so long, but it has happened once before, never on a prime cut. Usually, it gets to 195+ in 12-13 hours. It still looked and tasted very good. My 85 y/o mom said it was my best yet.....I gave a nice size doggy bag.