The highest grade with abundant marbling. Recommended for the juiciest results if your budget allows.
Buying a brisket, especially for low-and-slow barbecue, requires careful consideration of the cut, grade, and physical characteristics of the meat. A standard whole-packer brisket typically weighs between 11 and 18 pounds. For the best results, experts recommend looking for a (at least 1 inch thick at the end) and a "floppy" texture that allows the meat to bend in its packaging. 1. Brisket Anatomy: Point vs. Flat buy brisket
A "whole packer" brisket consists of two distinct muscles that overlap: The highest grade with abundant marbling
The lowest recommended grade for smoking. Its low fat content makes it prone to drying out unless cooked perfectly. A standard whole-packer brisket typically weighs between 11
Costco and Sam's Club are consistently recommended for whole-packer briskets. Local butchers are preferred for custom trims or specific quality requests.