Pork Shoulder vs Boston Butt

Unknown

Is there a big difference between the two when making pulled pork? I've only smoked boston butts.

hounddog

The shoulder has less fat and tends to render results that sometimes remind you a little bit more of ham than barbecue. At least that is my take. Both do fine, and I just buy whatever is cheapest.

Unknown

hounddog,[p]thanks - I can get shoulders for 89 cents per pound - the lowest I can find a butt for right now is $1.69.

Unknown

Whistleville Smoker,[p]A pork shoulder and a boston butt are basically the same cut of meat. The shoulder is the front leg of a pig from the knee up. A shoulder is cut in half and one side is called the boston butt. I'm not sure if both sides are called BBs or not. The front shoulder is generally has more fat (more flavor) than the hams (back legs) but they are not as pretty if you want to slice the meat. When we do bbq we cook one of each and mix it all together. [p]Does anyone know for sure if both sides of the shoulder are called BBs?

fiver29

Whistleville Smoker,[p]A pork shoulder is usually separated into 2 parts: the picnic and the butt. The butt is better for pulled pork.