My 1st Smoke - Chicken Terragon w/ whiskey brine

[Neocrunch]

This is my first smoke with my New OBS purchased with my fantasy football winnings from last year.  I'm smoking a whole chicken weighing in at 5.77 lbs.  I soaked it in a brine overnight for 10 hours, then rinsed and soaked in cold water for an hour, then rinsed and let rest naked for an hour.  Then I rubbed it down with olive oil and chicken terragon seasoning.  My plan is to cook it to 140 with 2 hrs of alternating cherry & maple pucks, and then finish to 165 in the oven (set at 350?).  I'll update with pictures as I'm able to.

Brine:
7 cups water
1 cup Evan Williams Whiskey
1/4 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1 head garlic
1 bell pepper
1/2 chopped onion
1 tsp black-strap molasses
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1 dried thai chili pepper
1 bay leaf
1/4 tsp chipotle pepper powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
2 tsp Allegro marinate & meat tenderizer




After 2 hours of smoke + 1 hour in the smoker...  Internal temp is at 149.  I'm getting ready to put in the oven (preheated to 330) to crisp up the skin. 


Pulled it out of the oven when the internal temp hit 169.  Wow.   It smells great and tastes even better!  Winner winner chicken dinner!  100% satisfied with my new smoker. 

[slowpoke]

You got a good lookin bird there.Way to go.Looks really juicey.

[muebe]

Nice job!