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First time smoking a pork butt/shoulder. Took 19 hours at about 225-235, without foil wrapping, to reach IT of 203. I was concerned by the blackened look but after it rested and was pulled, it was a hit. Finished up with Stubbs original sauce.
Excellent looking smoke! My first on the new smoker was last weekend, and it took a full 21 hours for an 8.5 lb butt, and that just got me to 195*. I think next time I may wrap it for the last few hours or so.
I remember my very first pulled pork (diff. smoker) when I saw the "lump of coal" in there, I too was concerned about that black outer coating. I quickly learned that my whole family loves that bark. :-)