Hello Jason,
Greetings from New Braunfels, TX where the brisket of beef is the State BBQ.
Did you know that 50 years ago, Wethersfield, CT use to be the place where they played the Greater Hartford Open and that Sammy Davis Jr. sponsored this event? I believe that the tournament starts tomorrow.
You also have some great craft brewers in your neighborhood, one in specific which has been rated outstanding by beer appreciating folks right in Plainville, CT. It is The Relic Brewing Company. You should try it. The owner brewer is a real nice young man.
But, then again, we have Shiner and some other locally brewed tastes right here in Texas.
You will find all of the answers you are looking for on this forum with respect to BBQ and smoking meat. Don't hesitate to ask. You will get a lot of answers.
By the way, even though I am not from the East and from New Mexico, I graduated UConn in 1964. Go Husky basketball both men and women. Women 2013 National Champs.
Regards,
Ed