Dark, smoky and unapologetic.
Tried it on chicken thighs, never tasted anything like it. Ordered ribs for next week...can't wait.
We put it on the kids corn. They loved it. It came out charred and smoky — we finished it with butter and some extra salt. Divine.
Never had ribs without BBQ sauce before. My god...unreal.
UK: 3-5 days
No fillers. No nonsense.
and we'll make it right.
That's The Big Smoke.
ADD TO CART - €9.95
Three Ways to Use The Big Smoke
Built for the grill. Here is how to get the most out of it.
On the Rub
Apply generously to ribs, brisket or pork shoulder before smoking. The high sugar content helps build a beautiful, dark bark while the smoked paprika delivers deep, authentic BBQ flavour.
Try it on: ribs, brisket, pork shoulderIn the Marinade
Mix with a little oil and apple cider vinegar to create a thick, sticky marinade for chicken thighs or drumsticks. Let it sit for at least an hour before hitting the grill.
Try it on: chicken thighs, wings, drumsticksLow and Slow
This blend is designed to withstand long, slow cooks. The spices won't burn out or turn bitter, making it the perfect companion for anything that needs hours over charcoal.
Try it on: pulled pork, slow-roast beefBlended for the Heat.
The Big Smoke isn't a smoky-tasting seasoning - it's a blend designed to perform over smoke and heat. The spices are balanced to hold up through long, slow cooks without burning out or turning bitter. It brings depth and richness to the meat, letting the fire do the flavour work.
No artificial flavours. No preservatives. No compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Big Smoke?
The Big Smoke is a sweet, smoky, peppery BBQ seasoning built for low and slow cooking. It is not designed to fake BBQ flavour — it is built to perform in a smoking or slow-cook environment and to build a deep, flavourful bark. The smoke comes from the cook. The Big Smoke makes sure every other flavour is exactly where it needs to be.
Will The Big Smoke make my food taste smoky even without a BBQ?
It contains smoked paprika and chipotle so there is warmth and depth, but it will not replicate live fire or a smoker — that smoke comes from the cook. In the oven, the other spices like fennel and cumin come forward and the blend takes on a different but equally good character.
Why can't I use The Big Smoke on very high heat?
The turbinado sugar in the blend creates the caramelised bark on slow cooks but burns quickly at high heat. Use it on indirect BBQ, low and slow in the oven at 160–180 degrees, or a grill set to medium. That is where the sugar caramelises rather than burns.
Can I use The Big Smoke as a marinade or dry rub?
Yes to both. As a dry rub, coat generously and leave for a few hours or overnight. As a marinade base, combine with a little oil or apple cider vinegar to make a wet paste. The Big Smoke is the one blend in the range where you go all in — don't hold back.
Does The Big Smoke contain any allergens?
The Big Smoke does not contain any of the 14 EU-declared allergens as ingredients. It is produced in an environment where mustard and celery are present. Always check the label on your tin before use.
What are the best things to cook with The Big Smoke?
Pork ribs, pulled pork, chicken drumsticks and thighs, corn on the cob and candied streaky bacon. Works on the BBQ and in the oven. Like it saltier, add a little extra salt. Want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne.
Does The Big Smoke work in the oven as well as on the BBQ?
Yes. In the oven at 160–180 degrees the sugar caramelises slowly and builds a bark similar to a smoker, just without the smoke character. Cover with foil for the first part of the cook, then uncover for the last 30–45 minutes to set the crust.
Where can I buy The Big Smoke?
The Big Smoke is available exclusively at spicemanshay.com. We ship across Ireland and the UK. Sign up to the waitlist to be first to know when new stock is available.
Can I buy The Big Smoke as part of a gift set?
Yes — The Big Smoke is included in the Grill Master Collection, which brings together all three Legends Blends in one gift set. It's the perfect gift for anyone who loves to cook outdoors.
Complete the Collection.
Magic Dust. The Big Smoke. The Sear. Three Legends Blends, one collection. Everything you need to cook like Shay.
SHOP THE GRILL MASTER COLLECTION →Dark, smoky and unapologetic.
- The Big Smoke
The Big Smoke is Shay's Dublin Smoke Blend - rich, deep and built for the grill. Inspired by open fires, slow cooking and the kind of food that makes people go quiet for a moment before they ask for more.
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