Judging the Ocoee, FL Sam’s Club National BBQ Tour Stop

I had the honor of being one of the folks chosen to judge the 2011 Ocoee, FL Sam’s Club National BBQ Tour Stop yesterday, with a field of competition cooks I consider some of the best here in Florida.  There were a few teams from outside the state as well – most notably Serial Griller from Yorktown, VA and Swine Assassins all the way from Mason City, Iowa!

Lee from Team Unknown BBQ next to the official Sam’s Club National BBQ Tour RV.

This BBQ competition event was a bit different from many I visit, in that it was largely a competitors only event.  Folks shopping at Sam’s were provided with some samples and the like, but the limited parking lot set up meant that mass crowds weren’t really an option. Talking with “Papa” Clark Whitcomb of Team Unknown BBQ, we both agreed that the event was whole lot more “buttoned up” than the typical competitions.  Teams were pretty quiet Friday evening… well, except for Unknown, Whiskey Bent, and their new friends from Iowa, the Swine Assassins.  These guys managed to raise a little hell despite the subdued feel of this cook.

Judging the Competition 

I take judging BBQ events very seriously, as judges should.  The teams work their “butts” off to prepare their best chicken, ribs, pork and brisket, and I try and make sure to be as fair and even handed as I can when scoring.  I’ve never cooked on a team, but I try very hard to talk with as many teams as I can to learn about their methods and processes.  When the time comes, I think I might know a couple teams who might let me  scrub some pans.  Until then, I remain very humbled by my position as a KCBS judge and will continue to do my best to do right by the teams that work so hard during every KCBS competition.

Judges at the 2011 Sam’s Club National BBQ Tour Stop in Ocoee, FL – just outside of Orlando – get some final words of welcome and a few reminders from Dave Rogers. He and his wife Peg were the KCBS reps for this event.

The event was well organized, with the judges tent nicely situated near the Sam’s Club entrance, blocked off by tent flaps from the rest of the field.  As always, ice water and saltine crackers were provided to refresh and cleanse the palette.  As a special treat, the Mayor of Ocoee, FL, Mr. Scott Vandergrift, a native of Ocoee and Florida, read the oath all KCBS judges must take prior to judging an event.  I think he got a kick out of being asked to read it, which was cool to see.

Judges wait for table captains to prepare and prep the tables.

Chicken entries for this event were are very good.  Though not usually my favorite entry, I think I ate nearly all of the samples I judged! Ribs were very good as well, with only one rib having a very short bone portion in it and another being a little fatty.  All but one of my samples were St. Louis style, with the remainder being a baby back.

The pork I judged was less than great in many cases.  Flavors were not bad, but several samples were overcooked.  One sample we received seemed like it was stained by the injection used to enhance its flavor.  Though this sample scored low on appearance, it had great flavor and texture.  Shame they missed out on the “free” points where appearance is concerned.

Results Recap

First, let me say that this was one heck of a tough field!  30 top quality teams put out their best efforts, and as I said before, the vibe at this Sam’s Club National BBQ Tour local event was pretty serious.  Teams that finished in the top 6 will move on to the regional event in Jackson, TN.

Grand Champion: C Eliots BBQ

Reserve Champion: Swine Assassins  (Note: Scored a 180 on Brisket! Way to go, guys!) 

Overall:

1. C Eliots BBQ – 679.9996

2. Swine Assassins – 679.4284

3. HomeBBQ.com – 672.5714

4. Naked Bones – 672.5712

5. Big Papa’s Country Kitch – 671.4284

6. Uncle Kenny’s BBQ – 660.5716

7. The Rolling Grill – 658.8574

8. Forrest’s Fine Foods – 656.0004

9. Good Buddies BBQ – 655.4284

10. Swamp Boys – 653.7140

11. Everglades Seasoning BBQ – 653.7140

12. Fatt Ashes BBQ – 650.8568

13. J&J BAR-B-QUE – 649.7142

14. Whiskey Bent BBQ – 649.7136

15. Hot Wachula’s – 648.5712

16. SmokeShack BBQ-OB – 645.7144

17. Smoky Dog – 643.4276

18. Barnwood Bar-B-Que – 642.2856

19. UNKNOWN BBQ – 639.9992

20. LANG BBQ SMOKERS – 639.9990

21. BIG BAD WOLF BBQ – 636.5712

22. Jack’s Old South – 635.4282

23. Serial Griller – 631.9996

24. Mount Dora Bar-B-Que Co. – 631.4282

25. GIT-R-SMOKED – 627.4282

26. TEAM HOLY HOG BBQ – 623.9996

27. Smokin n the Boys Room – 622.2854

28. Tarheel Cookers – 607.4282

29. STUMP’d – 597.7144

30. GB’S BBQ – 524.0000

A complete breakdown of the finishes for each category can be found on the KCBS website. 

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