Rodney Scott – Die BBQ-Legende aus South Carolina

Rodney Scott – The BBQ legend from South Carolina

When it comes to whole hog BBQ , there's no bigger name than Rodney Scott . His legendary BBQ is a piece of Southern tradition that's been passed down through generations.

🔥 Who is Rodney Scott?

Rodney Scott is a James Beard Award winner and one of the most famous pitmasters in the USA. He grew up in a BBQ family in Hemingway, South Carolina , where he grilled his first whole pig at just 11 years old. Today he runs several restaurants under the name Rodney Scott's BBQ .

🥩 The signature dish: Whole Hog BBQ

Rodney Scott's Whole Hog BBQ is slow cooked over charcoal and regularly basted with a vinegar-based mop sauce .

✅ Ingredients for the Whole Hog BBQ

  • 1 whole pig (25-30 kg)
  • 1 kg coarse salt
  • 500 g black pepper
  • 500 g paprika powder
  • 250 g cayenne pepper
  • 250 g brown sugar

🔥 The Rodney Scott Mop Sauce

  • 500 ml apple cider vinegar
  • 250 ml of water
  • 100 g brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons paprika powder
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

➡ Heat everything in a pot, but do not boil!

🔥 The perfect grill setup

  • Grill or smoker: suckling pig grill or brick BBQ pit
  • Temperature: 115-125°C
  • Wood: oak, hickory or apple wood
  • Cooking time: approx. 12-14 hours

🔥 Preparation

Phase 1: Preparation & Seasoning

Pat the pig dry, lay it on its back and rub generously with the spice mixture.

Phase 2: Low & Slow Smoking (12-14 hours)

Place the pork skin side up on the grill. Maintain a constant temperature and baste with mop sauce every 30-45 minutes.

Phase 3: The grand finale (1 hour rest time)

Carefully turn the pork, glaze with mop sauce and cook for another 30-45 minutes.

🔪 Serve like a BBQ pro


Pull the meat from the bone and serve with white bread, coleslaw and Rodney Scott's BBQ sauce .

🥃 The perfect drink for Whole Hog BBQ


  • 🍺 Sierra Nevada Pale Ale – Fresh & slightly bitter
  • 🥤 Sweet Tea with Lemon – Sweet and refreshing
  • 🍸 Whiskey Sour with Honey – Perfect balance of sweetness & acidity

🔥 Conclusion: What makes Rodney Scotts BBQ so special?

  • ✅ Whole Hog BBQ the traditional way – Low & Slow with charcoal.
  • ✅ Vinegar-based mop sauce for incredible juiciness.
  • ✅ 12-14 hours of patience for perfect, tender meat.

👉 Are you ready for your own Whole Hog BBQ? 🔥 If you try it, let me know how it turns out! And now: On to the next BBQ legend!

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