Ep 4. American Royal Invitational Barbecue

In season 1 episode 4 of BBQ Pitmasters, titled "American Royal Invitational Barbecue," the competition heats up as some of the best pitmasters in the country gather at the American Royal Invitational Barbecue competition in Kansas City, Missouri. This event is one of the biggest and most prestigious on the barbecue circuit, attracting over 500 teams from across the United States and beyond.

The episode opens with the pitmasters setting up their rigs and prepping their meat for the competition. The teams must cook four different meat categories - chicken, pork ribs, pork shoulder, and beef brisket - and are judged on taste, tenderness, and appearance. The stakes are high, as the winner of each category receives a cash prize and the chance to compete in the grand championship.

Throughout the episode, we follow several of the competing pitmasters, including Tuffy Stone of Cool Smoke, Myron Mixon of Jack's Old South, and Johnny Trigg of Smokin' T's. Each of these pitmasters has their own unique approach to barbecue, from Myron's "water method" of cooking to Tuffy's use of fruitwood smoke.

As the competition heats up, tensions run high among the pitmasters. The judges are notoriously tough, and every small mistake can cost a team points. We see several teams struggle with tough brisket or overcooked chicken, while others nail every category with expert precision.

One of the standout moments of the episode is when Tuffy Stone's Cool Smoke team attempts to cook cheeseburgers on their smoker. This is a risky move, as the cheese can easily melt and create a mess. However, Tuffy and his team are confident in their approach, and their burgers end up impressing both the judges and the other pitmasters.

Another memorable moment comes when Johnny Trigg of Smokin' T's unveils his secret weapon for cooking pork shoulder - a Coca-Cola marinade. While some of the other pitmasters scoff at the idea, Johnny's pork ends up impressing the judges and placing well in the competition.

As the episode draws to a close, we see the final results of the competition. The winners of each category are announced, and we see several of the pitmasters celebrating or commiserating depending on their performance. Ultimately, only one team can take home the grand championship, and the competition is fierce.

Overall, season 1 episode 4 of BBQ Pitmasters is a thrilling look at the world of competitive barbecue. From the high pressure of the competition to the creative techniques used by the pitmasters, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into a world that is often overlooked in the culinary world. Whether you're a barbecue enthusiast or simply a fan of cooking competitions, this episode is sure to leave you hungry for more.