"Brick" > wrote in message
ster.com...
>
> On 29-Jul-2009, "Ed Pawlowski" > wrote:
>
>> "Heavy_Smoker" > wrote in message >
>> > However, it didn't pull like I expected. As a matter of fact the one I
>> > did a couple weeks ago didn't pull as I expected either! They were
>> > both
>> > tender, but not "falling apart" like I prefer.
>> >
>> > I'm wondering if it's because I'm smoking a butt, rather than a picnic?
>> >
>> > Do butts and picnics differ in their "pull-ability"?
>> >
>> > (In all cases, I smoke till 190F or higher, internal temp.)
>>
>> Usually about 190 they are falling apart. Go a little longer. Done
>> properly, you can't pick them up in one piece and the bone slides right
>> out.
>> In fact, I know when mine are done by pulling on the bone. If it comes
>> out,
>> I take the meat off with gloves and two hands. Be patient; cool longer
>> (or
>> a little higher temperature)
>
> What Ed said. I can't imagine a butt or a picnic for that matter not
> pulling
> easily at 190°F. My first guess is that your therm is lying to you. A
> properly
> cooked butt should practically fall apart while you're getting it out of
> the pit.
> Something is real wrong with your estimate of when it's done.
>
> --
> Brick >
>
When the butt hits 175-80F or so have you ever wrapped the butt in foil and
then continued to 190-95F. I do this with ribs now and then. I've thought
of the same with butt or shoulder.

Ed