Think you need years of trial and error to master smoked meat? Not anymore. Truth BBQ’s “Smoke Like a Pitmaster” class is your shortcut to bold, Texas-style flavor — taught by the team behind one of the most respected BBQ joints in the country. And the best part…Leonard Botello IV, the owner behind Truth BBQ teaches the classes himself.
Whether you’re new to smoking or looking to refine your technique, this hands-on, four-hour experience delivers the core skills you need to level up your backyard game. You’ll get personal instruction on trimming, seasoning, fire control and timing — all while learning how we do it behind the pits at Truth.
Our next class is coming up on August 10, 2025, and space is limited to just 10 people. If you're serious about learning how to smoke meat right, don’t miss it. Sign-up here.
What You’ll Learn
1. Fire and Temperature Control
You can’t fake good fire management. At the heart of Texas-style BBQ is the ability to build and maintain a clean, steady fire — and that’s exactly where we start.
In the class, you’ll learn:
- How to properly light your smoker using post oak or other hardwoods.
- How airflow, coal bed size and fire placement affect temperature and flavor.
- The signs of “clean” smoke vs. bitter, overpowering smoke — and how to keep it just right.
2. Wood Selection and Smoke Profiles
The type of wood you use hinges on building the right smoke flavor for the meat you’re cooking. In this section of the class, we’ll break down:
- Why we use post oak at Truth BBQ, and when to experiment with pecan, hickory or mesquite.
- How different woods impact flavor intensity, smoke rings and bark formation.
- When to add wood during the cook and how to spot signs of over-smoking.
3. Meat Prep, Rubs and Timing
Great BBQ starts before the fire’s even lit. In this portion of the class, we’ll walk you through the full prep process — from choosing the right cut to trimming, seasoning and timing.
- Learn to trim a brisket or rack of ribs using the included trimming knife, with hands-on guidance.
- Discover how to layer flavors with rubs — and why we often keep it simpler than you might think.
- Understand timing: when to wrap, when to rest and how different cuts cook at different speeds.
4. Monitoring Doneness Like a Pro
Cooking “to temp” is only part of the equation — a real pitmaster knows when meat is ready by feel, flex and even sound. That’s exactly what you’ll practice here.
- You’ll use the included meat thermometer to learn ideal internal temps for brisket, ribs, and sausage.
- Then, we’ll show you how to recognize doneness without even looking at the probe — through touch, jiggle and visual cues.
- You’ll leave knowing when to slice (and when to wait), how to avoid drying out your meat and what separates good BBQ from truly great BBQ.
Why Join Our Pitmaster Class?
There are plenty of ways to learn BBQ — videos, blogs, trial and error — but nothing compares to standing beside a real pitmaster, like Leonard, and getting hands-on with the craft. That’s what makes this class different.
You’ll learn directly from the Truth BBQ team — the same folks who’ve spent the last decade developing our house-made sausages, rubs and signature low-and-slow approach. This isn’t a lecture or demo. It’s a working session, where you’ll trim, season, stoke the fire and pull meat off the pit yourself.
We keep class sizes small — just 10 people max — so you’re not just watching someone else cook. You’re doing it. You’ll walk away with four hours of practical experience, a new level of confidence, and a gear pack that includes a trimming knife, meat thermometer, and Truth BBQ swag bag. Plus, lunch is on us.
Whether you’re chasing backyard bragging rights or building toward competition skills, this class sets you up with the techniques and philosophy that define real Texas BBQ.
Class Logistics and Booking Info
Upcoming Class: August 10, 2025
Location: Truth BBQ in Houston, TX (details shared after booking)
Class Duration: 4 hours
Cost: $600 per person
What’s Included: Lunch, knife, meat thermometer, swag bag and instruction
Other Details:
- Classes are held quarterly and tend to fill quickly due to the 10-person cap.
- Non-refundable, but transfers may be available under extenuating circumstances.
- Want a custom experience? Private parties, corporate events and special requests are welcome. Reach out through our inquiry form to discuss custom pricing and additional proteins.
- Taught by Truth BBQ founder, Leonard Botello IV.
Ready to sign up? Visit our site to submit your request — spots are limited and filled first-come, first-served.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bring a friend or book a private group?
Yes! Classes accommodate up to 10 people, and we welcome private parties and larger groups for special occasions — just reach out to arrange custom pricing.
2. What if I’ve never smoked meat before?
No experience? No problem. This class is beginner-friendly but packed with real pitmaster know-how, so you'll leave confident and inspired, regardless of skill level.
3. What makes Truth BBQ different from other BBQ brands?
At Truth BBQ, everything we serve — from brisket to sausage — is made with house-developed recipes and smoked daily in-house. Our team doesn’t just teach BBQ, we live it.
4. Can I buy Truth BBQ meats or sauces online?
Yes — our Texas-style BBQ meats, rubs, and signature sauces are available for online ordering. We ship nationwide so you can bring a little smoke home, even after class.