The Smuggler's Journal

Herb-crusted lamb cutlets and chicken being glazed on a charcoal grill

featured Flavour Pairing Deep-Dive: Why Horopito and Rosella Belong on the Same Board

Why an earthy NZ bush pepper rub and a tart Aussie native fruit glaze belong on the same board — the flavour-wheel theory behind it, plus the Trans-Tasman Board recipe.

On Oct 09, 2026 by Darryl Rubb 0 comments

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Beef and lamb skewers with capsicum and onion on a charcoal grill at an outdoor festival

The Smuggler's Comp Trail: A New Season Fires Up, and a Kiwi Crew Holds the Top Spot

The 2025-26 ABA season is locked in FINAL, a new 2026-27 season just fired up at BBQ @ The Bend, and BEERS Championship BBQ still holds the NZBA top spot...

On Oct 07, 2026 by Darryl Rubb 0 comments

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The Rub Smuggler medallion - 187 amazed smoker billow, standing in for the pending hero image

Brands to Watch: Natural Smoke BBQ Woods and Western BBQ Products Just Cleared Customs

⚓ SMUGGLER'S LOG — ENTRY No. 449 Dated this 29th day of August, 2026. Today the hold smelled like a campfire before I'd even cracked the hatch. Two new crews...

On Oct 07, 2026 by Darryl Rubb 0 comments

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Green-brown horopito rub sprinkled onto two raw lamb backstraps on a board

Rub of the Week: Deep Bush Horopito Is the Wild Card Your Lamb Needed

Stef the Maori's Deep Bush Horopito rub turns up by accident and turns lamb backstrap wild. Full recipe, a Smuggler's Secret and the Rub Hub cross-links inside.

On Oct 05, 2026 by Darryl Rubb 0 comments

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A hand shaking red paprika lamb rub onto a tied boneless lamb shoulder, kettle BBQ behind at dusk

Rub of the Week: The Lamb Rub That Finally Gets It Right

⚓ SMUGGLER'S LOG — ENTRY No. 459 Dated this 21st day of September, 2026. Position: tied up somewhere south of the Yarra, hold full of spring lamb. Conditions: clear skies,...

On Sep 21, 2026 by Darryl Rubb 0 comments

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