About Dean Davis

Dean ignited his passion for the grill at the tender age of six. Over three years ago, he embraced the intricate art of low and slow barbecuing, transforming his casual hobby into a full-fledged lifestyle. Be it the freezing cold of winter or the sweltering heat of summer, Dean firmly believes that every day is the perfect day for a succulent, flame-grilled steak or a beautifully smoked brisket.

Dean's BBQ Achievements

His commitment to mastering the grill led him to the prestigious SCA Steak Cookoff World Championships in Fort Worth, Texas. Against a formidable array of over 500 global competitors, Dean made it to the finals, ranking as the 29th best steak cook in the world. This accomplishment fuelled his passion further, solidifying his determination to continue refining his craft. Closer to home, Double D Que recently became the first South Island BBQ team to win the title of Grand Champion (GC) at a NZBA sanctioned competition in the North Island at Smoke Wars Hamilton 2023. This achievement stands as a testament not just to our passion for BBQ, but also to the tireless hours of practice, numerous trials, and the unwavering support of friends, family, and fellow BBQ enthusiasts.

Unleashing Ash's BBQ Beast

Dean and Ash's BBQ Synergy

At his core, Dean is a man who revels in the joy of grilling, creating tantalizing flavours, and sharing his love for BBQ with others. As he continues his BBQ journey, he is dedicated to learning and pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with smoke and fire, while helping others fuel their own passion for BBQ.

Partnered with Dean is Ash Hofacher, the second half of Double D Que’s dynamic duo. Ash’s BBQ journey began quite unexpectedly when he was persuaded by Dean to buy a Weber Kettle under the pretense of making it a pizza oven. However, as it turns out, the grill wasn’t meant for pizzas. It was destined for greater things – as was Ash.

Ash's Lockdown Journey to BBQ Mastery

While the Weber Kettle might have been a lackluster pizza oven, it turned out to be the perfect platform for Ash to discover his love for barbecuing. During the quiet of the COVID lockdowns, Ash had time to nurture his budding skills. Every day, he tested and honed his technique, transforming his casual grilling into an extraordinary culinary skill.When Dean coaxed Ash to join the Goodhome SCA comp, he unknowingly lit the fuse of Ash’s competitive spirit. He may have started in the ranks’ lower tiers, but the thrill of the competition hooked Ash just as effectively as a prime cut of meat on a smoking rack. His dedication and effort bore fruit when he emerged as the runner-up in his debut SCA season – quite the feat for a man who initially just wanted to make a decent pizza.

Ash's SCA Season of Excellence

Ash recently managed to finish in the top 15 at the legendary Cow Town Classic SCA comp in Texas, sharing the stage with SCA royalty such as Tim Brown and Scott Nardi. A bunch of top 10s in 2023 both overseas and in New Zealand has put Ash in contention to take out the top spot for the New Zealand SCA circuit. We’re all holding thumbs for him and cheering him on at every comp.

A Taste of Victory

Ash's achievements have continued to pile up, including a Grand Champion title in Hamilton and a 3rd place finish in a southern USA SCA competition. His determination even saw him cooking out of a suitcase to clinch the former - a testament to his unfaltering dedication.

The Art of Picanha

As for his favorite protein, Ash is all about the Picanha. It may not have the show-stopping appeal of ribs or brisket, but for him, it represents the true essence of BBQ - simplicity and rich, smoky flavors from a blend of fire and fat.

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