What whiskey works best for a brisket glaze?

I recommend using a smooth, high-quality bourbon like Jack Daniel's. It adds rich flavors of oak, vanilla, and caramel. These flavors complement the smoky beef perfectly. Choose a whiskey you'd enjoy drinking, as its flavor will shine in the glaze.

How long should I smoke a whiskey-glazed brisket?

Smoke your brisket for about 1.5 hours per pound at 225°F (107°C). For a 12-pound brisket, this is around 18 hours. Keep the temperature steady and check the meat's internal temperature for tenderness.

Should I wrap my brisket while smoking?

Wrapping is up to you. Some use foil or butcher paper to cook faster and keep moisture. Others prefer a thicker bark. Try both to see what you like best.

Can I make a whiskey glaze without sugar?

Yes, you can! Use maple syrup or honey for sweetness. For no sugar, try a savory glaze with whiskey, Worcestershire sauce, and herbs. These options add flavor without sugar.

What wood chips are best for smoking brisket?

Use hickory, oak, or cherry wood chips. They offer great flavors that match the whiskey glaze. Hickory gives a strong BBQ taste, oak is medium smoky, and cherry is sweet and mild.

How do I keep my brisket juicy while smoking?

To keep it moist, baste with whiskey and apple juice every hour, except the last hour. Let it rest for 30 minutes after cooking. This ensures it stays tender and juicy.

What are the best side dishes to serve with whiskey-glazed brisket?

Go for classic BBQ sides that balance the flavors. Creamy coleslaw, tangy potato salad, crispy onion rings, or a fresh green salad are great. Grilled vegetables offer a nice contrast to the rich brisket.

Can I use bourbon instead of whiskey in the glaze?

Yes, bourbon is a type of whiskey and works well in glazes. It's sweeter and smoother than other whiskeys. Pick a high-quality bourbon you enjoy, as its flavor will be strong in the dish.

Smoked Whiskey-Glazed Brisket Recipe – Amazing Smoked BBQ Secret

Name: Whiskey Brisket Recipe: Tender Smoked Beef with Bold Bourbon Glaze
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 h
Total time: 15 h 30 min
Cuisine: Texas BBQ
Ingredients: Beef brisket (10–12 lb); Bourbon whiskey; Dark brown sugar; Organic ketchup; Worcestershire sauce; Freshly ground black pepper; Smoked paprika; Apple juice (for basting); Butcher paper (for wrapping)

Description

Texas-style whiskey brisket with a smoky bourbon glaze, cooked low and slow for tender, juicy slices.

Ingredients

Beef brisket (10–12 lb)

Bourbon whiskey

Dark brown sugar

Organic ketchup

Worcestershire sauce

Freshly ground black pepper

Smoked paprika

Apple juice (for basting)

Butcher paper (for wrapping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat smoker to 225°F (107°C).

2. Trim excess fat if needed and season brisket generously with your preferred dry rub.

3. Place brisket in the smoker fat-side up and smoke for about 1.5 hours per pound.

4. Baste every hour with a mix of bourbon whiskey and apple juice; avoid opening the smoker too often.

5. When the internal temperature reaches ~165°F (74°C), wrap tightly in butcher paper (Texas Crutch).

6. Make the glaze: simmer bourbon, dark brown sugar, organic ketchup, Worcestershire, black pepper, and smoked paprika until slightly thickened.

7. Unwrap during the last 1–2 hours and brush glaze over the brisket; continue smoking.

8. Cook until the thickest part reaches 195–205°F (90–96°C) and feels probe-tender.

9. Rest the brisket, still wrapped, for 30–45 minutes.

10. Slice against the grain and serve with extra glaze.

Notes

Recommended woods: hickory (bold), oak (medium), cherry (subtle sweetness).

For sugar-light options, use maple syrup or honey in the glaze.

Resting is key—don’t skip it for juicy slices.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Smoking
Cuisine: Texas BBQ

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (~6 oz / 170 g)
Calories: 480
Sugar: 12
Sodium: 720
Fat: 32
Saturated Fat: 12
Unsaturated Fat: 18
Trans Fat: 1
Carbohydrates: 14
Fiber: 1
Protein: 36
Cholesterol: 115