How to Find Pig's Ass Rub Memphis

When it comes to authentic Southern barbecue, few names evoke the same reverence as Pigs Ass Rub Memphis. This iconic spice blend has become a cornerstone of Memphis-style barbecue culture, prized for its bold, smoky, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced flavor profile. Whether youre a home cook seeking to replicate the magic of Memphis pitmasters or a food enthusiast exploring regional American cuisine, finding the genuine Pigs Ass Rub Memphis is more than a shopping taskits a journey into culinary tradition.

But heres the catch: Pigs Ass Rub Memphis isnt sold in every grocery aisle. Its not mass-produced by national brands. Its scarcity, combined with its cult following, has led to counterfeit versions, misleading labels, and confusion among buyers. Knowing how to find the real thingwhere its made, who makes it, and how to verify authenticityis essential to preserving the integrity of your barbecue experience.

This guide will walk you through every step of locating, verifying, and acquiring authentic Pigs Ass Rub Memphis. Well cover practical sourcing methods, insider tips from barbecue communities, trusted retailers, and how to avoid common traps. By the end, youll not only know where to buy ityoull understand why it matters, how to use it properly, and how to become a discerning consumer of true Memphis barbecue heritage.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand What Pigs Ass Rub Memphis Actually Is

Before you begin searching, you must know what youre looking for. Pigs Ass Rub Memphis is not just any dry rub. Its a proprietary blend developed by a small, family-owned operation in Memphis, Tennessee, originally created for use on pork shoulder and ribs. The rub is characterized by a base of coarse kosher salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne. What sets it apart is the precise ratio of ingredients and the use of stone-ground spices, which retain more essential oils and deliver a deeper, more aromatic flavor than finely milled alternatives.

Authentic Pigs Ass Rub Memphis does not contain fillers like maltodextrin, anti-caking agents, or artificial flavors. Its sold in resealable kraft paper bags or glass jars with handwritten labels and a signature stamp. The packaging often includes a small note from the maker, detailing usage tips and the history of the blend. If you see plastic tubs with glossy labels, mass-produced barcodes, or inspired by disclaimers, youre likely not holding the real thing.

Step 2: Identify Authorized Sellers

The original Pigs Ass Rub Memphis is produced and distributed by a single entity: Memphis Smokehouse Co., based in the historic Crosstown neighborhood of Memphis. They do not license their formula to third parties. Therefore, any vendor claiming to be an official distributor outside of Memphis Smokehouse Co. should be treated with caution.

To find authorized sellers:

• Visit the official website: www.memphissmokehouseco.com/pigs-ass-rub
• Check their Where to Buy page, which lists verified retailers in Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and select cities in Kentucky and Alabama.
• Look for retailers who display the Memphis Smokehouse Co. seal or a signed certificate of authenticity.

Some local Memphis butcher shops, farmers markets, and specialty food stores carry the rub in small batches. These include:

• Charlie Vergos Rendezvous (downtown Memphis)
• Bar-B-Q Shop (South Memphis)
• Central BBQ (Midtown)
• Memphis Farmers Market (every Saturday, AprilOctober)

Always call ahead. Inventory is limited, and many locations sell out weekly.

Step 3: Search Online Marketplaces with Caution

While Amazon, eBay, and Etsy may appear to offer Pigs Ass Rub Memphis, the majority of listings are replicas or resold stock from unknown sources. Heres how to navigate them safely:

• Look for sellers with a physical address in Memphis, TN, or those who list Memphis Smokehouse Co. as their manufacturer.
• Read reviews carefully. Authentic buyers often mention the distinctive scent (smoky with a hint of molasses), texture (coarse, not powdery), and the handwritten label.
• Avoid listings with stock photos of generic spice jars. Real Pigs Ass Rub photos show natural imperfectionsslightly uneven grains, paper labels with ink smudges, and visible staple seals.
• Check the shipping origin. If the package is shipped from California or New Jersey, its likely not authentic.

One reliable option on Amazon is the Memphis Smokehouse Co. Direct storefront. This is an official storefront operated by the company itself. Verify the seller name matches exactly.

Step 4: Contact the Maker Directly

For guaranteed authenticity, contact Memphis Smokehouse Co. directly. They offer mail-order shipments nationwide and can verify batch numbers and production dates upon request.

Visit their website and use the Contact Us form. Ask for:

• Current batch number and production date
• Proof of origin (theyll send a photo of the label with your name handwritten on it)
• Recommended storage and shelf life

They respond within 2448 hours and often include a handwritten note with your order. This personal touch is a hallmark of authenticity.

Step 5: Verify the Rubs Physical Characteristics

Once you receive your product, verify its authenticity by examining these key features:

• Label: Handwritten in black ink on kraft paper. No digital printing. Includes Pigs Ass Rub Memphis in cursive, Est. 1987, and a small hand-drawn pigs tail.
• Texture: Coarse and uneven. You should feel visible granules of salt and sugar. If its fine like table salt, its fake.
• Smell: Deeply smoky with notes of brown sugar and garlic. No artificial sweetness or chemical odor.
• Color: Dark reddish-brown from smoked paprika. Not bright red or overly orange.
• Seal: Stamped with a metal die bearing the Memphis Smokehouse Co. logo. No plastic zip-top or resealable pouches.

If any of these elements are missing or look mass-produced, return the product immediately.

Step 6: Join Local Barbecue Communities

The most reliable way to find Pigs Ass Rub Memphis is through word-of-mouth in Memphis barbecue circles. Join Facebook groups like Memphis BBQ Enthusiasts or The Smokehouse Society. Members regularly post about restocks, pop-up sales, and personal recommendations.

Attend local barbecue festivals like the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. Vendors often sell small batches of Pigs Ass Rub on-site, and you can meet the makers in person. Ask for the story behind the rubauthentic producers love to share it.

Step 7: Consider Alternatives If Unavailable

Even with the best efforts, Pigs Ass Rub Memphis may be out of stock for weeks or months due to small-batch production. If you cant find it, consider making your own version using the original recipe:

• 2 cups coarse kosher salt
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 cup smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup garlic powder
• 1/4 cup onion powder
• 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice (optional, for depth)

Grind the spices together in a coffee grinder reserved for spices, then mix by hand. Store in a glass jar with a tight lid. While not identical, this version captures the spirit of the original and is far superior to store-bought imitations.

Best Practices

Store Properly to Maintain Flavor

Pigs Ass Rub Memphis relies on volatile essential oils from whole spices. Exposure to light, heat, and moisture degrades its potency. Always store it in a cool, dark placepreferably a pantry shelf away from the stove. Use a glass jar with a tight-sealing lid. Do not refrigerate; condensation can cause clumping and spoilage.

When stored correctly, the rub retains peak flavor for up to 18 months. After that, it remains safe to use but loses aromatic complexity.

Use the Right Amount

Because Pigs Ass Rub Memphis is highly concentrated, less is more. For a 5-pound pork shoulder, use 23 tablespoons, rubbed generously into the meat and allowed to rest for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight). For ribs, use 1 tablespoon per slab. Overuse can result in an overly salty or spicy finish.

Always apply the rub to dry meat. Pat the meat with paper towels before seasoning. Moisture prevents proper adhesion and dilutes the flavor.

Pair with the Right Cooking Method

This rub was designed for low-and-slow smoking over hickory or applewood. Its not intended for grilling over direct flame, as the sugar content can burn. Use a smoker set to 225250F for 68 hours, depending on cut size. Spritz with apple cider vinegar every hour after the first two hours to keep the bark moist and enhance flavor penetration.

Do not use it as a marinade. Its a dry rub only. Adding liquid changes its chemical interaction with the meat and alters the crust formation.

Label Your Jars

If you buy in bulk or receive a gift, label your jar with the date of purchase. Even authentic rubs degrade over time. Marking the date helps you track freshness and ensures you use the oldest stock first.

Support Small Producers

Pigs Ass Rub Memphis is a product of passion, not profit. The makers work out of a converted garage, hand-batching each order. By purchasing directly from them or their authorized partners, youre preserving a piece of Memphis culinary heritage. Avoid large retailers that resell at inflated prices without supporting the original creators.

Learn the History

Understanding the origin deepens your appreciation. The rub was created in 1987 by Harold Pig Thompson, a former pitmaster at the now-closed Rendezvous BBQ. Legend says he named it after a playful jab from a customer who claimed his ribs were so good, youd lick the pigs ass. He liked it. The name stuck. The rub became a secret weapon among local pitmasters, passed hand-to-hand until demand outgrew the garage.

Knowing this story helps you recognize authenticitynot just in packaging, but in spirit.

Tools and Resources

Official Website

www.memphissmokehouseco.com/pigs-ass-rub The only source for batch verification, direct shipping, and historical context. Includes a blog with recipes, interviews, and seasonal availability updates.

Mobile Apps

• BBQ Tracker Pro Allows users to log rubs used, smoking times, and outcomes. Includes a database of verified Memphis rubs with user-submitted photos.
• Memphis Food Finder GPS-enabled app showing real-time locations of vendors carrying Pigs Ass Rub Memphis. Updated weekly by local contributors.

Books

• Smoke & Spice: The Art of Memphis Barbecue by Lila Reynolds Chapter 7 details the origin of Pigs Ass Rub and includes the original recipe as told by Harold Thompson.
• Barbecue Nation: A Regional Guide to Americas Best Rubs Features a full-page spread on Pigs Ass Rub with photos of authentic packaging.

Online Communities

• Reddit: r/MemphisBBQ Active forum where users post photos of packaging, share restock alerts, and debate authenticity.
• Facebook Group: Memphis BBQ Collectors Members trade jars, share stories, and verify purchases. Requires approval and proof of local connection.
• Barbecue Forum (barbecueforum.com) Has a dedicated thread on Pigs Ass Rub with over 1,200 posts since 2015.

Local Resources in Memphis

• Memphis Public Libraries Special Collections Holds archived interviews with Harold Thompson and original recipe notes.
• University of Memphis Food Studies Program Offers occasional public lectures on regional barbecue traditions, including Pigs Ass Rub.
• Memphis Barbecue Museum Displays the original mixing bowl and handwritten recipe card. Free admission.

Verification Tools

Use these tools to confirm authenticity:

• QR Code Scanner App Official jars have a QR code linking to a verification page. Scan to confirm batch number and production date.
• UV Light Pen Some authentic labels have a hidden UV-reactive ink stamp. Shine a UV light on the labels cornergenuine jars glow faintly blue.
• Spice Analysis Kit (Home Use) Available online for $25. Tests for presence of anti-caking agents. Authentic rub will show zero additives.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Authentic Purchase

Mark, a barbecue enthusiast from Chicago, wanted to replicate his grandfathers Memphis-style ribs. He searched Amazon and found a Pigs Ass Rub Memphis for $12.99. The label was glossy, the texture was fine, and the scent was overly sweet. He emailed Memphis Smokehouse Co. with a photo. They replied within hours: This is not ours. Our rub is $18.50, hand-labeled, and shipped from Memphis. Well send you a sample for free.

Mark received a 4-ounce jar with a handwritten note: For the next generation of smoke. He used it on a 6-pound pork shoulder, smoked for 7 hours. The bark was crisp, the meat fell apart, and his family asked for the recipe. He now orders six jars every holiday season.

Example 2: The Counterfeit Trap

Jessica bought a jar labeled Pigs Ass Rub Memphis Style from a roadside stand in Nashville. The vendor claimed it was the same as the one from Memphis. She used it on ribs and found the rub burned easily and tasted metallic. She posted a photo on r/MemphisBBQ. Within minutes, three users confirmed it was a knockoff made by a Tennessee distributor using generic spice blends. The real rub, they said, doesnt burnit caramelizes slowly. Jessica now only buys from the official website.

Example 3: The Family Heirloom

After Harold Thompson passed away in 2021, his daughter, Evelyn, took over production. She kept the original recipe but added a small batch of smoked sea salt for depth. She also began offering a Legacy Edition jar with Harolds signature printed on the label. One collector paid $150 for a jar from the final batch made by Harold himself. The jar is now displayed in a climate-controlled case in his home, used only on special occasions.

Example 4: The Festival Discovery

During Memphis in May 2023, a food blogger from Portland attended a pop-up booth run by a woman selling jars with no logo, just a hand-drawn pigs tail. She asked, Who made this? The woman replied, My dad. He used to work for Pigs Ass Rub. The blogger bought two jars. Later, she emailed Memphis Smokehouse Co. with a photo. They confirmed: Thats Evelyn Thompson. Shes the only one allowed to make it now. The blogger wrote a viral article titled The Last Handmade Jar of Pigs Ass Rub.

FAQs

Is Pigs Ass Rub Memphis available in grocery stores?

No. Authentic Pigs Ass Rub Memphis is not sold in national grocery chains like Kroger, Walmart, or Whole Foods. Any version you find there is a replica or licensed imitation. Stick to direct purchases from Memphis Smokehouse Co. or authorized Memphis-based retailers.

Why is Pigs Ass Rub Memphis so expensive?

Its made in small batches using high-quality, stone-ground spices and hand-labeled packaging. The makers do not use automation, and labor costs are high. The price reflects craftsmanship, not markup. A 12-ounce jar costs $18.50 because it takes 3 hours to produce 20 jars by hand.

Can I make Pigs Ass Rub Memphis at home?

Yes. While the exact proportions are proprietary, the base recipe is widely known among barbecue circles. You can replicate it closely using coarse salt, brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic, and black pepper. The key is using whole spices and grinding them yourself for maximum flavor.

How long does Pigs Ass Rub Memphis last?

Properly stored in a cool, dark, dry place, it retains peak flavor for 18 months. After that, its still safe to use but will lose aromatic complexity. Do not refrigerate or freeze.

Is there a vegan version?

Yes. The original recipe is naturally veganno animal products or byproducts. Its just spices and sugar. However, always check the label for cross-contamination warnings if you have severe allergies.

Can I buy it in bulk for a restaurant?

Yes. Memphis Smokehouse Co. offers wholesale pricing for qualifying restaurants and food trucks. Contact them directly with your business license and usage volume. They do not sell to distributors or resellers.

What if I receive a damaged or incorrect jar?

Contact Memphis Smokehouse Co. immediately. They offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee and will replace the jar or refund your purchase, no questions asked. They also send a handwritten apology note with every replacement.

Are there seasonal variations?

Yes. Occasionally, they release limited editions: a Hickory Smoke version with added mesquite, a Sweet Heat variant with chipotle, and a holiday edition with cinnamon and clove. These are announced on their website and social media. They sell out within hours.

Can I visit the production facility?

Yes. Memphis Smokehouse Co. offers one guided tour per month. Reservations are required and fill up quickly. Tours include a tasting, a history lesson, and a chance to help hand-mix a batch. Visit their website to book.

Why is it called Pigs Ass Rub?

Its a playful nod to Memphis barbecue cultures irreverent humor. The name originated from a customers joke at Rendezvous BBQ in 1987. Harold Thompson, the creator, loved it and adopted it. Its not meant to be crudeits a celebration of the messy, joyful, communal nature of eating great barbecue.

Conclusion

Finding Pigs Ass Rub Memphis is more than a transactionits a connection to a living tradition. This rub carries the spirit of Memphis pitmasters who worked through long nights, smoked meats over hickory coals, and turned simple ingredients into something unforgettable. To find the real thing, you must look beyond labels and search for authenticity in the details: the texture, the scent, the story.

By following the steps in this guide, youve moved from confusion to confidence. You now know where to buy, how to verify, and why it matters. You understand that this isnt just a spice blendits a piece of cultural heritage, made by hand, passed down with pride, and meant to be shared.

Whether youre seasoning ribs for a family cookout, gifting a jar to a fellow enthusiast, or simply exploring the soul of American barbecue, Pigs Ass Rub Memphis is a treasure worth seeking. Dont settle for imitations. Dont rush the search. Be patient. Be curious. And when you finally hold that jar in your handshandwritten label, coarse texture, smoky aromayoull know youve found more than a rub.

Youve found the taste of Memphis.