LYNCHBURG, Tenn. (October 27, 2012) – Pig Skin BBQ from Rockwell, Iowa, claimed the title of Grand Champion at the 24th Annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue held in Lynchburg Tenn., on Saturday October 27.

As Grand Champion, Pig Skin BBQ received $5,000, braggin’ rights as winner of the most prestigious barbecue contest in the world and the chance to come back in 2013 to defend their title. 

“It’s amazing. It’s by far the best thing we’ve ever done barbecue-wise. It’s crazy—makes it all worthwhile,” said Scott Nelson, chief cook of Pig Skin BBQ.

To compete at The Jack™, domestic teams must win a state championship with at least 25 teams or a competition of 50 teams, or win one of the premiere barbecue competitions that qualify a team for an automatic berth.

“For many people on the competitive barbecuing circuit, winning the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue is the dream of a lifetime,” said Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Jeff Arnett. “Year after year, I am amazed by the caliber of competition The Jack™ draws to Lynchburg. This year was no exception. It is amazing to see this much excitement, skill and sheer devotion for barbecuing, as well as the camaraderie between teams. All the competitors have worked hard this season to get here, but I want to especially congratulate Pig Skin BBQ on winning the Grand Champion title today. I look forward to seeing them back next year to defend their title.”

Swiggin’ Pig from Nashville, Tenn., also finished strong as the Reserve Grand Champion, taking home a cash prize of $2,500. 

Other top ten winners at this year’s Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue are:

3. Truebud BBQ, Tonganoxie, Kan.
4. Smokin’ Hoggz BBQ, Abington, Mass.
5. Pigs in Blankets, Brooklandville, Md.
6. 3 Eyz BBQ, Owings Mill, Md.
7. Flyboy BBQ, Bailey, Colo.
8. Buffalo Meatheads, Buffalo, N.Y.
9. Caveman Cuisine, Carthage, Mo.
10. Firefighting BBQ Team, Keedysville, Md.

Sixty-eight championship teams from the U.S. and 19 international teams from Australia, Austria, Canada, Denmark, England, Estonia, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Puerto Rico and Switzerland fought for the title.  The highest finishing international team was Miss Piggy’s from England that placed 25th overall.

In addition to honoring the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion, the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue awards first place prizes in seven categories:  Pork Ribs, Pork Shoulder/Butts, Beef Brisket, Chicken, Dessert, Cook’s Choice and Jack Daniel’s Sauce.  This year’s winners of these individual categories are:

Pork Ribs – 3 Eyz BBQ, Owings Mill, Md.
Pork Shoulder/Butts – Meadow Valley BBQ, Ames, Iowa
Beef Brisket – Weekend Warrior BBQ, Canada
Chicken – Rhythm ‘N Que, Phoenix, Ariz.
Dessert – Ten Pinos Cooking Team, Mission, Texas
Cook’s Choice – Sin City Smokers, Las Vegas, Nev.
Jack Daniel’s Sauce – Butcher BBQ, Chandler, Okla.

About Jack Daniel’s
Officially registered by the U.S. Government in 1866 and based in Lynchburg, Tenn., the Jack Daniel Distillery, Lem Motlow, proprietor, is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Jack Daniel’s is the maker of the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7 Tennessee Whiskey, Gentleman Jack Rare Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey-Based Ready-to-Drink Beverages and Jack Daniel’s Country Cocktails. 

Your friends at Jack Daniel’s remind you to drink responsibly.

JACK DANIEL’S and OLD NO. 7 are registered trademarks. © 2012 Jack Daniel’s. Tennessee Whiskey Alcohol 40% by Volume (80 proof). Distilled and Bottled by JACK DANIEL DISTILLERY, Lynchburg, Tennessee.

Media Contacts:
Jill Meyer email:jill.meyer@dvl.com
Kristin Hampel email:kristin.hampel@dvl.com