Nearly everyone in North Carolina will agree that barbecue is a mealtime staple. However, pigs will fly before everyone agrees on the best way to cook barbecue. For many, this conjures up whole-hog versus shoulder and vinegar- versus ketchup-based sauces. But the real competition heats up at the grill.
Bring on the Heat
Direct cooking is prominent in Western Carolina-style barbecue, placing the meat directly above the flame for a crisp, slightly charred outside and tender, juicy inside. Fast and trusted, this cooking method is a speedy way to a mouthwatering meal.
To keep that healthy competition alive, Eastern Carolina-style barbecue believes that the best meats are heated via indirect heat, or pit cooking, that slowly cooks large pieces of meats with hot air instead of running the risk of burning the outside to a crisp. It may not be fast, but to East Carolina barbecue masters, slow and steady wins the taste race.
Un-Grill-Lievably Good Eats
Whether you side with Eastern Carolina, Western Carolina, or your hands are hogtied on picking a favorite barbecue style, you will feel like an official barbecue grill master with our RawSpiceBar Sweet Carolina Dry Rub. A blend of granulated raw sugar, paprika, black pepper, onion powder, and more summer-inspired spices, this dry rub is a must-have addition to the grilling season.
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Pairing these delectable barbecues with the right drink is an art in itself. In the Western Carolina tradition, a cold, refreshing beer is the go-to choice to complement the bold flavors. In the East, where patience reigns and meats are slow-cooked to perfection, a milder bourbon may take center stage. It has a sweet taste like caramel and hints of vanilla, which nicely mix with the tangy sauces made with vinegar, creating a lively combination of flavors. A carefully chosen beverage, presented in the best whiskey glasses of 2024, transforms the barbecue experience into a sophisticated and enduring celebration. The warm tones of the whiskey echo the deep flavors of slow-cooked meats, forging a sensory symphony that goes beyond regional distinctions, bringing together barbecue enthusiasts in a collective admiration for taste and elegance.