Ep 4. Not a Moment To Spare

In BBQ Pitmasters Season 2 Episode 4, titled "Not a Moment To Spare," the competition heats up as pitmasters from across the country gather in Auburn, Alabama for the Alabama BBQ Association's State Championship.

The episode opens with the first challenge, the pork rib competition. The pitmasters must each prepare and cook six racks of ribs, which will be judged based on appearance, tenderness, flavor, and overall impression. As they work, tension runs high, with each team meticulously monitoring their pits and fine-tuning their techniques to ensure their ribs are perfect. Some teams opt for classic dry rubs, while others experiment with sauces and injections.

With the ribs cooked and the competition underway, the judges get down to the difficult task of choosing the winners. The pitmasters anxiously await the results as the judges sample each entry and deliberate over who has the best ribs. In the end, only one team emerges victorious, with the others left to lick their wounds and plan for the next challenge.

Next up is the brisket competition, which proves to be even more intense than the ribs. Brisket is notoriously difficult to cook correctly, and each team must navigate a delicate balance of smoke, seasoning, and temperature to produce a perfectly tender, juicy final product. Some try aging their brisket to concentrate the flavor, while others opt for spritzing or mopping to keep the meat moist.

As the pitmasters work, they put their skills, knowledge, and patience to the test, with some encountering unforeseen challenges along the way. One team has to deal with malfunctioning equipment, while another wrestles with weather conditions that threaten to derail their cook. But despite the obstacles, the teams persevere, determined to deliver the best brisket they can.

Finally, after hours of cooking and waiting, the brisket entries are judged, and the results are announced. As with the ribs, only one team can come out on top, with the others left to reflect on their mistakes and plan for the next competition.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to an inside look at the world of competitive barbecue, from the meticulous preparations and seasoned techniques to the passion and dedication that drive these pitmasters to push themselves to the limit. They witness the highs and lows of the competition, from the jubilation of victory to the disappointment of defeat. And they come away with a newfound appreciation for the art and science of great barbecue.

In all, "Not a Moment To Spare" is a thrilling and engaging viewing experience for fans of BBQ Pitmasters and anyone who loves great food and intense competition. With expertly crafted shots, lively narration, and a diverse array of characters, the episode captures the essence of what makes barbecue such an enduring and beloved American tradition. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a curious newcomer, this episode is sure to satisfy your appetite for the drama, excitement, and thrill of the BBQ competition circuit.