Judging in an Alligator Zone

Being a BBQ judge usually has nothing to do with alligators. All that changes in Summerville, SC, where Brew & Cue on Shrine Lake is held.

The Brew & Cue contest was held at scenic Shrine Lake.

After checking in with the organizers when I arrived, I had time to walk through the cooking team area before the judges meeting began. As I walked, what captured my attention more than the smoke coming from the cookers were signs posted to beware of alligators. Later during the day, judges entertained each other by telling tales about past alligator experiences at Shrine Lake.

Signs at the lake warn about alligators; clubhouse where judges meet is in background.

The cookoff was organized by the Dorchester Shrine Club as a fundraiser to support Shriner Hospitals for Children. All judging activities took place in the organization’s spacious clubhouse. The cooking teams set up at shaded campsites on a scenic peninsula jutting into Shrine Lake. Although we were on the lookout for the possibility of spotting an alligator, none were seen during the contest.

Cooking teams set up at campsites on a scenic peninsula.

The competition featured 15 cooking teams. Because 14 had won as a champion of other events, the level of competition was very high. In fact, when all the judges’ scores were totaled, only 0.026 points separated the top two teams (a big contrast to the 21.12 points that separated teams 14 and 15). The cookoff is one of six contests in South Carolina that are sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbeque Society and contribute to a points chase that determines the winner of the Palmetto BBQ Series. By winning the grand championship of Brew & Cue with such a high score (698.2740), the team Smoke Central BBQ significantly advanced its standing in the points chase.

Rusty Cook, contest rep, checks that every team has the correct time before turn-ins begin.

Being a judge at Brew & Cue was rewarding because the barbecue was exceptional and deserved very high scores. The location was scenic — and not seeing any alligators was very much appreciated.