Just gotta give a shout out from the great state of Ohio from my very own Ohio shaped kitchen table for the very nice gift selection from my hometown Santa. Especially since I got my first smoker this year and have been working on my technique, trying to find my niche in the smoking world.

I've never had Memphis style BBQ so I wasn't sure what to expect but I must say it is very pleasing to my palate. The rub doesn't seem to have the sweetness from the stuff I've been trying or have eaten in the past. My wife tried a little bit of it right out of the shaker with me and we both feel like it has an almost savory flavor to it. I'm making a pork butt for the holiday weekend and think I may use some of the rub on it.

The sauce is very good as well. I'm a fan of the Carolina vinegar and mustard style sauces and this one has a little bit of bite to it and hints of that vinegar kick I like so much while still being different from that style of sauce I've had. Just on the rub and sauce I can see myself being a big fan of Memphis style BBQ and look forward to investigating more of this style.

Finally, what would anything Memphis be without reference to the "The King", Elvis Presley. I'm not a coffee drinker and I am kind of glad. I don't think I want to use the mug since I'd be worried about the decoration wearing off, the guitar handle is really quite a novel little touch.

Thank you to my hometown Santa for bringing this Ohio boy a little taste of your hometown.