Smoked Bourbon BBQ Meatloaf Recipe

Grilling Tips

Bourbon BBQ Craft Blends™
Old Fashioned Smoked Pork Chops

Old Fashioned Smoked Pork Chops

By Merry Graham

Prepare to elevate your backyard BBQ game with these Double Bone Smoked Pork Chops from Bear Mountain ambassador Merry Graham. Smoked over the Old Fashioned Craft Cocktail Blend, these thick-cut chops absorb the signature essence of authentic bourbon barrels, paired with the subtle sweetness of orange and cherry hardwoods. The result? A smoky, caramelized crust with a whisper of citrus and a mellow, whiskey-kissed depth that lingers in every bite.

Prep

15 minutes

Cook time

Brine: 4hrs, Smoke: 1.5hrs, Sear: 20–25mins

Serves

8

Steps

  1. Score rack of pork in a diagonal pattern, and trim any excess fat. Cut the rack of pork into 2-ribs thick chops. 
  2. Use butcher twine, and lasso the 1 loin at a time, tighten the twine to help form 4 extra-large pork chops.
  3. In a large bowl or container, whisk together the cold water, salt, sugar, aromatics, citrus, and wine or apple juice. Submerge the pork chops in the brine, ensuring they are fully covered. Refrigerate for 4 hours. Don't brine for longer than 4 hours, as it can make the meat too salty. Remove the chops from the brine and place on a rack to air-dry for 1/2 hour. Discard the brine.
  4. In a small bowl, combine all the rub ingredients. Rub the Dijon mustard generously over all sides of the pork chops, then sprinkle with the rub. 
  5. Fill the hopper with Bear Mountain BBQ Old Fashioned Hard Wood Pellets.  The pellets are made from authentic bourbon barrels, along with orange and cherry hardwood, and really add to the success of this recipe.
  6. Preheat your pellet grill to a low temperature, around 250°F. This lower temperature will allow the chops to absorb a good amount of smoke flavor without cooking too quickly.
  7. Place the seasoned pork chops directly on the grill grates, leaving some space between them for even smoking. Close the lid and let the pork chops smoke for approximately 1.5 hours, turning the chops over after the first 30 minutes. Smoke chops until the internal temperature is just over 120°F. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a chop to monitor the temperature. Once the pork chops have reached the desired (partial cooked) internal temperature, increase the temperature of your pellet grill to high heat, around 400-450°F 
  8. In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the glaze, and set aside.  
  9. Sear the chops for 2-3 minutes per side, then brush with glaze and continue to sear chops. Every 2 minutes turn pork chops over and even on the thick edge frequently brushing with glaze. Cook until the internal temperature is 138-140°F. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F for pork.
  10. Remove the smoked and seared pork chops from the grill and place them on a clean cutting board. Tent them loosely with foil and let them rest for 8-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chop.  Slice the 4 pork chops down the center of each 2-ribs chops, to make 8 juicy pork chops.

Ingredients:

  • 1 rack of pork, cut into 2-rib thick chops
  • Bear Mountain BBQ Old Fashioned Craft Cocktail Blend


For the Brine:

  • 5 cups cold water
  • 1/3 cup kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar
  • 6 cloves garlic – crushed
  • 1 tbsp peppercorns
  • 1 orange – sliced
  • 1 Meyer lemon – sliced
  • 1 cup Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, or apple juice


For the Rub:

  • 2 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tbsp granulated garlic
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme – crushed
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary – crushed
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3 tsp sea salt
  • Dijon mustard, to bind spices on pork


For the Glaze:

  • ¼ cup agave syrup or maple syrup
  • ¼ cup cherry jam
  • ¼ cup orange jam
  • 2 tbsp lime or lemon juice
  • 1 tsp sriracha-style hot sauce
  • 1 tsp tamari (optional)

watch recipe video

Old Fashioned Smoked Pork Chops

Find In Stores