Step 1

Bring first 4 ingredients and 2 qt. water to a boil in a large saucepan. Remove from heat, and cool 1 hour. Divide hocks between 2 (1-gal.) heavy-duty zip-top plastic bags. Pour half of brine mixture into each bag; seal and chill 8 to 24 hours. Remove hocks, and rinse. Discard brine. Chill hocks uncovered on a wire rack over a baking sheet 2 hours, or cover with foil, and chill up to 12 hours.

Step 2

Place 2 cups wood chips in each disposable pan; pour 1 cup beer into each pan. Soak chips 30 minutes.

Step 3

Heat 1 side of grill to 200° (low) heat, leaving other side unlit. Place 1 pan of wood chips on lit side of grill. (Reserve second pan of soaked chips for Step ) Cover grill for 20 minutes or until wood chips begin to smoke. Place ham hocks on unlit side of grill; brush with syrup. Grill, covered and maintaining temperature at 200°, 2 hours, brushing with syrup every hour.

Step 4

Remove pan of chips from grill, and discard. Place reserved pan of chips on lit side. Grill, covered and maintaining temperature at 200°, 4 to 6 more hours or until meat is tender. (The longer you cook, the smokier they get.)