SmellaQue makes history: first Canadian team to win The Jack

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

It started with a smoker, a family, and a little curiosity about barbecue.

Twelve years later, SmellaQue has become the first Canadian team to win the Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue.

Led by pitmaster Janice Smella, the Calgary-based team claimed Grand Champion honors Saturday, Oct. 10, at the 37th annual competition in Lynchburg, topping 98 other teams from around the world and pocketing the $25,000 first-place prize.

SmellaQue finished nearly seven points ahead of runner-up B’s Que, while just 0.0344 points separated second and third place.

“This title means so much to us because it’s a win for the entire international community,” Smella said. “Coming into the U.S. to compete at any level is an absolute privilege, but to stand on this stage representing international teams everywhere is truly epic.”

From Calgary to Lynchburg

SmellaQue got its start in 2014 when Smella bought her first smoker. What began as a family hobby soon turned into something bigger, with the team crossing the Canadian border to compete in barbecue contests throughout the United States.

Getting to The Jack took more than firing up a smoker and heading south.

SmellaQue earned its shot by winning Grand Championships at sanctioned barbecue competitions in Canada. Each qualifying victory put a wooden barrel plug, known as a “bung,” into the Canadian drawing for an invitation to Lynchburg.
When the names were drawn, SmellaQue was one of just three Canadian teams headed to Lynchburg.

Turns out, Canada drew itself a winner.

This year’s field included 75 domestic teams and 24 international competitors, with pitmasters traveling from countries including New Zealand, Estonia, and Brazil.

Once in Lynchburg, competitors put their skills to the test with pork ribs, pork shoulder, chicken, and beef brisket, plus dessert, Jack Daniel’s Sauce, and Cook’s Choice.

‘Commitment to the craft’

B’s Que claimed Reserve Grand Champion honors and $10,000, edging Muttley Crew BBQ by just 0.0344 points. Janky Leg BBQ finished fourth, followed by Son of a Boar BBQ in fifth.

Jack Daniel’s Master Distiller Chris Fletcher said The Jack has spent nearly 40 years bringing championship pitmasters to Lynchburg.

“For nearly four decades, The Jack has brought together the most talented pitmasters in the world to our hometown to show off their skills,” Fletcher said. “It’s an honor to award this year’s top prize to SmellaQue, who share the same commitment to craft that we put into every drop of the Tennessee whiskey we make.”

The trophy is headed to Calgary, and SmellaQue already has an invitation to defend it Oct. 8-9, 2027.

Not bad for a family that bought its first smoker just 12 years ago.

• Winners of Individual Categories by the Kansas City Barbeque Society