To encourage both professional and amateur pitmasters to showcase the versatility and creativity of using turkey on the smoker or grill, the National Turkey Federation (NTF) is pleased to partner with the Kansas City Barbeque Society (KCBS) to kick off the second year of the Turkey Smoke Series. The Turkey Smoke Series will incorporate a turkey category into barbeque competitions throughout the United States during the 2021 barbeque season, adding thousands of dollars in extra prize money and bragging rights among pitmaster competitors at numerous KCBS-sanctioned barbeque contests. Winning recipes will also be featured across KCBS and NTF digital platforms.
“The inaugural year of the Turkey Smoke Series was very well received by competition pitmasters, contest organizers and Certified Barbeque Judges,” said Emily Detwiler, Chief Executive Officer of the Kansas City Barbeque Society. “Competition pitmasters from both the Master and Backyard Series enjoyed the creativity and freedom to demonstrate their skills in showing the versatility and flavor of turkey on the smoker. Contest organizers enjoyed the support from the National Turkey Federation and turkey producers to provide additional opportunities for engagement at their contests. KCBS Certified Barbeque Judges had a great time judging entries that ranged from traditional barbequed meat to creative dishes with complementary ingredients that accentuated the turkey’s flavor.”
“Turkey Smoke is a natural fit in competition barbeque, and we’ve seen real momentum growing around the category,” said Beth Breeding, Vice President of Communications and Marketing for the National Turkey Federation. “We are delighted to continue this partnership between KCBS and America’s turkey industry to present the Turkey Smoke Series. We are excited to take things to the next level in 2021 with the addition of the Turkey Smoke Series Team of the Year program, allowing Turkey Smoke entrants to earn points for each of the Turkey Smoke Series contests in which they compete. The highest points winner will be crowned the 2021 Turkey Smoke Series Team of the Year! Check out what everyone is gobbling about and look for a Turkey Smoke Series contest near you.”
As part of the Turkey Smoke Series, Turkey Smoke will be integrated into 17 competitions across the country, including the category’s fourth appearance at the American Royal World Series of Barbecue. To learn more about the Turkey Smoke Series and to check for updates on scheduled events and dates, please visit www.kcbs.us/turkey.php or TurkeySmoke.org.
