Just got my first smoker

[MileHighGrowler]

Last fall I got a half a steer. Grass fed, corn finished. Some really great meat from a local Colorado rancher. I'd asked for the whole brisket, but they only gave me the flat. So I put it in the freezer and finally pulled it out to smoke this weekend. It was about 9 pounds trimmed. I knew it would smoke faster than a packer, but I've never smoked just a flat before. I was shocked that it only took 6 hours. Used my usual combo of oak and cherry. I took about 2/3 of the meat and made a huge pot of chili yesterday, and will be using the rest for enchiladas. Usually when I do a full packer, I'll slice the point for eating straight and use the flat for recipes. I just don't think the flat is ever as good without the additional fat. This was a good brisket, and it was nice to smoke a brisket in 12 less hours than it normally takes me, but if I get another side of beef in the future, I'm going to be very clear that I want the FULL brisket but I just enjoy that so much more.