Aussie barbecue culture really started to evolve back in 2010 when the Australian dollar hit parity with the US for the first time in its history. What followed was many Australian's travelling overseas and many travelled to the US to discover American style low and slow. Australians seemed to suddenly have a craving for authentic smoked Brisket, Pork Ribs and Pulled Pork!
As more of us travelled, the more of us came back wanting that authentic taste of wood and smoke. But Australia didn't have the same cuts of meat, the variety of smokers, easy access to smoking hardwood or even low and slow barbecue competitions as seen in the US. Many however did start to watch BBQ Pitmasters as well as watching Youtube channels like BBQ Pit Boys to gain knowledge and understanding of what the Low and Slow BBQ movement was all about.
Australia's first BBQ event was in Adelaide back in 2012 but it really didn't take off until 2014 when Port Maqcquarie hosted the first Australian BBQ competition on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales. Then in 2015, Melbourne hosted the first US sanctioned KCBS (Kansas City Barbecue Society) BBQ competition. Then following into early 2016, Sydney saw its first two major competitions back to back. These events saw huge interest and solidified to many, that American style low and slow was here to stay.
Well known smoker brands like Yoder Smokers, Green Mountain Grills, Backwoods Smokers, Louisiana Grills and Big Green EGG started to appear together with Australian owned brands like Hark, which has dominated so far in the entry to intermediate level on the competition circuits.
Now, competition barbecue pit masters look for more rubs, sauces, injectors, thermometers and quality hardwoods to get a competive edge. Meanwhile more new beginners and enthusiasts have taken interest and aspire to one day have the best smoked brisket or Pork Ribs amongst their peers in their own backyards.
What we like to say is to give it a go and invest in a quality barbecue from us! We are sure you will never look back when you realise how easy it is to cook flavourful food for all to praise you on your work.