Turkey Smoke Series


Turkey Smoke Series

To further inspire pitmasters about the versatility of turkey on the smoker, the National Turkey Federation is continuing their partnership with the Kansas City Barbeque Society for the Turkey Smoke Series. The Turkey Smoke Series will incorporate a turkey category into select KCBS-sanctioned contests across the U.S. during the 2022 barbeque season. Thousands of dollars in extra prize money and bragging rights will be up for grabs! Winning recipes will also be featured across KCBS and the National Turkey Federation websites and social channels.

2022 Turkey Smoke Contests

  • 1/22-23/2022                             The Golden State Battle IV                                                                    Santa Barbara, CA
  • 3/25-27/2022                             BBQ Gives Back                                                                                            Urbanna, VA
  • 4/8-9/2022                                   Smoke in the Spring                                                                                    Osage City, KS
  • 4/22-23/2022                             Smoke on the Water BBQ Festival                                                     Florence, AL
  • 4/29-5/1/2022                           Smoke on the Water                                                                                   Liberty, IN
  • 5/13-14/2022                             Minnesota in May                                                                                        Cambridge, MN
  • 6/3-4/2022                                   Original SD BBQ Championships                                                       Huron, SD
  • 6/17-18/2022                             Hoosier BBQ Classic                                                                                  Franklin, IN
  • 6/17-18/2022                             Almost Heaven BBQ Bash                                                                      Roanoke, WV
  • 6/24-25/2022                             Heritage Days BBQ Showdown                                                          Belvidere, IL
  • 6/25-26/2022                             Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle                                         Washington, DC
  • 7/15-16/2022                             Central Illinois BBQ Throwdown                                                       Eureka, IL
  • 7/15-16/2022                             KTD Smokin Gobbler Cook Off                                                           Worthington, MN
  • 7/29-30/2022                             6th Annual Eburg BBQ Contest                                                          Emmetsburg, IA
  • 7/29-30/2022                             Smoke in the Grove                                                                                     Spring Grove, PA
  • 8/5-6/2022                                  All American BBQ Throwdown                                                            Westland, MI
  • 8/19-20/2022                            Smoke on the Midway                                                                                Fairbury, IL
  • 8/19-20/2022                            BBQ & Fly-in on the River                                                                        Excelsior Springs, MO
  • 9/9-10/2022                               Western Legends BBQ Contest                                                           Kanab, UT
  • 9/23-24/2022                            Pigmaster's BBQ Challenge                                                                   Connelly Springs, NC
  • 9/29-10/2/2022                       American Royal World Series of Barbecue                                   Kansas City, KS
  • 9/30-10/1/2022                       Squealin' on the Square                                                                             Laurens, SC
  • 10/7-8/2022                               King Biscuit BBQ & Blues on the Levee                                           Helena, AR
  • 10/14-15/2022                         Best of the Midwest BBQ                                                                        Union Grove, WI
  • 10/21-22/2022                         Nightmare Before Zom-B-Q                                                                  Galax, VA
  • TBD                                                  KCBS World Invitational                                                                          TBD

*Turkey Smoke Series events subject to change based on any changes to the main contest.

Turkey Smoke Rules For Teams 

Turkey Smoke is a KCBS ancillary competition category, presented in partnership with the National Turkey Federation.  From tried-and-true traditional smoked and sliced turkey to preparations with a unique twist, the goal of the Turkey Smoke category is to highlight the applications and versatility of turkey in barbeque.  Please note that the rules for Turkey Smoke have changed since the 2021 season and these updated 2022 rules should be read carefully prior to competing.

Turkey Smoke Rules – 2022

  1. Turkey must be the primary protein and primary component of the entry. Other proteins may be used in a supporting role (e.g., bacon-wrapped or sausage-stuffed). Sliced, pulled, or chopped turkey is acceptable in an entry; ground turkey is NOT an acceptable entry. Turkey may be presented with or without skin.
  2. Each contestant will be provided complimentary turkey product, typically a boneless skin-on breast, with the exact cut to be determined with the Organizer prior to the contest. Contestants are encouraged to use the product provided, but are welcome to utilize their own turkey product, provided it is not ground turkey. All contestant-provided proteins are subject to meat inspection.
  3. Toothpicks, skewers of any kind, and other foreign materials are prohibited in the container. 
  4. All KCBS Master Series Rules and Regulations shall apply with the following exceptions:
    1. A food thermometer shall be used to ensure a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 F has been reached to destroy bacteria and prevent food borne illness.
    2. Turkey must be the primary protein and component of the entry. Accompanying or complementary edible ingredients ARE allowed (e.g., mashed potatoes, dressing, gravy, relish, fruits, vegetables, cheese, bread, etc.).
      1. If used, these complementary ingredients shall be part of the individual serving portions and cannot be used as a container garnish.
      2. KCBS garnish rule 13 applies. Garnish is optional. If used, once determined to be legal, garnish plays no further role in the appearance score. When used, garnish is limited to chopped, sliced, shredded or whole leaves of fresh green lettuce, curly parsley, flat leaf parsley, curly green kale and/or cilantro.

          4. Please refer to KCBS rule 6 for heating sources. Fires shall be of wood, wood pellets, or charcoal. Gas and                               electric  heat sources shall not be permitted for cooking or holding the entry.

Please contact the contest’s KCBS Rep with any questions.

Turkey Smoke Team of the Year 

In addition to the Turkey Smoke Series, KCBS and NTF are pleased to announce the second annual Turkey Smoke Team of the Year program; allowing Turkey Smoke competitors to earn points for each of the Turkey Smoke Series events at KCBS-sanctioned contests in which they compete. All 2022 approved KCBS Turkey Smoke Series contests count toward the 2022 KCBS Turkey Smoke Team of the Year points chase. Contestants must be KCBS members in good standing to receive points for the Turkey Smoke Team of the Year chase. Turkey Smoke Series will be a teams top five highest scores.

Click HERE for the current Turkey Smoke Team of the Year Standings

Team of the Year Points System