Hello, I am Jake Taylor
Hey there, I’m Jake ‘Smokey’ Taylor. I’m not a chef — just a guy who loves to grill, eat, and talk meat. This site is all about real recipes, no-nonsense tips, and gear that actually works (without torching your wallet). Whether you’re flipping your first burger or smoking brisket like a boss, I’ve got your back. Grab a cold one and fire it up — because here, we grill things the right way. Real fire. Real flavor. No fluff.
🧑🍳 Who Am I, Really?
I’m a self-taught backyard pitmaster from Texas (yep, born and charred right here in the Lone Star State). I spent a good chunk of my adult life working with greasy tools in a garage, but my weekends?
That’s when the smoke would rise and the tongs came out.
Grilling became my passion, my therapy, and—eventually—my second career.
Now, I spend my days testing gear, tweaking rubs, and sharing what I learn here on this site… so you can skip the screw-ups and go straight to the good stuff.If you’re looking for Michelin-starred recipes, $2,000 grills, or Instagrammable nonsense, you might be in the wrong place.
But…
If you want real food, fire-kissed flavor, and no-BS grilling advice from a guy who’s burned his fair share of ribs before learning how to get it right?
Welcome to the crew.
🔥 What You’ll Find Here
Finest Grillathon is your go-to for:
Step-by-step grilling recipes for everything from ribs to grilled pineapple
Honest gear reviews (I test grills, smokers, thermometers, and tools so you don’t waste your money)
Beginner-friendly tips (lighting charcoal, controlling temp, choosing the right meat)
How-to guides (clean your grill, use a meat probe, build flavor without blowing your budget)
Affiliate recommendations (I only suggest what I actually use or love)
Whether you’re a total newbie or an apron-wearing veteran, this site is built for real people who want to grill real food without all the fluff.
📦 Are You an Affiliate Site?
Yes and no.
Yes — I use affiliate links to earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when I recommend gear I believe in.
No — I don’t take money to write fake reviews or push garbage products. If it sucks, I’ll tell you. If it rocks, I’ll shout it from the smoker.
This helps keep the fire burning and the site free for everyone.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I may also earn commissions through other affiliate programs.
🤝 Why Should You Trust Me?
I’ve grilled over 500 meals in my backyard. (Some were disasters. Most were delicious.)
I’ve tested and reviewed dozens of grills, tools, and gadgets personally.
I believe in transparency, flavor-first cooking, and helping everyday folks get better at grilling without breaking the bank.
Also, my rubs are good enough to make your mother-in-law cry.
📫 Let’s Stay Connected
Got a question? Shoot me a message
Want to get recipes & gear picks in your inbox? [Join my newsletter]
Prefer smoke signals? Me too. But email is faster.
Want to get recipes & gear picks in your inbox? [Join my newsletter]
Prefer smoke signals? Me too. But email is faster.
👇 My Motto?
“Low and slow, baby. That’s the way to go.”
Thanks for stopping by — now go light something on fire.
(Safely, of course.)