Attention Pitmasters: The Tavern on Three SmokeOff is ON!
Think you’ve got what it takes to dominate the smokers and claim the title of Grand Champion? Prove it. Registration is officially open for the Tavern on Three SmokeOff, a sanctioned NEBS Classic competition!
Bring your best flavor, your sharpest knives, and your A-game. Here is everything you need to know to prepare for battle:
The Categories
The NEBS Classic Masterpieces (Qualifies for Grand & Reserve Champion):
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Chicken: Thighs, wings, legs—wild or farm-raised. Show us that perfect bite.
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Ribs: Pork ribs only (Loin Back, Baby Back, Spare, or St. Louis). No country-style, no beef.
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Pork Butt: Boston Butt, Picnic, or whole shoulder (minimum 4 lbs).
The Ancillary Showdown:
Garnish Reminder: Standard NEBS garnish only (green leaf/romaine lettuce, parsley, or green kale). Sauces must be on the entry, and any chunks must be finely diced (under 1/8 inch).
The Rules of the Pit
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Pure Fire Only: Fuel sources are strictly limited to charcoal or wood smokers/grills. No electric, pellets, or propane. (Electric augers, spits, or forced drafts are allowed).
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On-Site Cooking: All meat must be raw and unseasoned upon arrival. No pre-marinating or brining before the mandatory meat inspection! Trimming ahead of time is allowed.
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Lone Wolves: Every team must bring and use their own cooking rigs—no sharing cookers.
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Your Kingdom: Your cooking site is a 20’ x 20’ space. Plan your setup accordingly!
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Fuel Provided: Wood will be provided for free by Verrier Tree Service.
Logistics & Safety
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Power & Water: Water, trash, and ash disposal are available on-site. Electricity is NOT provided, so pack your generators.
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Safety First: Every team must have an approved ABC fire extinguisher and a 3-stage washing station (soapy, rinse, and bleach-disinfecting water) at their site. Keep it clean, keep it safe!
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Turn-Ins: At least six (6) separate, identifiable portions must be presented in the provided 9x9 containers. Double-blind judging means your food does all the talking.
The Glory & Team of the Year Points
Judges will score your entries on a double-blind system based on three distinct criteria: Appearance, Taste, and Texture. We are handing out hardware for:
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1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place in ALL categories (including Brisket!)
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Reserve Grand Champion (Overall 2nd Place)
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Grand Champion (Overall 1st Place)
Chasing Team of the Year? Scores from this contest count toward NEBS TOY points! Just make sure your Chief Cook is a paid NEBS member before the event kicks off (no backdating allowed). Head over to
www.nebs.org
to check the full rulebook or renew your membership.
Ready to Fire Up?
Spaces are limited, and site assignments are made upon arrival. Review your Cook Packet for full details.
Fire up the rigs, perfect your rubs, and let’s see who rules the smoke!
Full details and rules can be found in the Cooks Packet
2026 Tavern on Three Smoke Off Cooks Packet
Teams and Judges Register below.
2025 Tavern on Three Smoke Off Team Registration
2025 Tavern on Three Smoke Off Judge Registration