[dmprantz]

So okay, we probably all know that KCBS judges are instructed not to look at smoke ring. The reason is because using curing agents containing nitrates and nitrites, an "artificial" smoke ring can be generated. At the same time, KCBS rules specifically ban "corned beef." Do this direction and rule contradict each other? What exactly is meant by "corned beef?" Do the rules mean that any brisket which has been packed in a barrol with small pebles of salt is banned? What if I cure a brisket in a wet brine, cover it with cracked pepper, and then smoke it, turning it into a pastrami? No, I think the rule means no cured briskets. If the rule really means no cured briskets, then any chemically induced smoke ring is illegal, and smoke rings could be judged....right? Does any one think it would be a bad thing to clear this up? How about a rules change where rather than banning corned beef, curing agents are banned, and judges are allowed to judge the smoke ring? What say the competing brethren?

dmp