Step 1

In a small bowl, stir together the dark brown sugar, chili powder, salt, pepper, garlic powder, mustard powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, allspice and cayenne pepper. Set aside.

Step 2

Remove the ribs from the package and blot dry with paper towels. Flip the ribs so that the bone side faces up. Locate the thin membrane. To remove it, insert a sharp knife underneath the membrane and lift the knife up to separate the membrane from the meat. Grip the membrane with your fingers and continue to pull the membrane down the length of the ribs. If any membrane is left, we repeat the process until you remove it all.

Step 3

With the bone side still facing up, rub the rack of ribs all over with the spice mixture and then flip the ribs and rub the mixture all over the meaty side as well as the sides. If possible, let the meat sit in the refrigerator with the rub for at least four hours or up to a day, though you can also smoke right away.

Step 4

Prepare the smoker with a water pan and heat to 225 degrees. Grease the grill grates and add the racks of ribs meat-side up right on the grates. Close the smoker and smoke for three hours. If desired, pour the extra apple cider into a spray bottle and spritz the ribs every hour, though this is optional.

Step 5

After three hours, lay several pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil on top of each other, fold the edges up to create almost a makeshift pan and add 1 cup apple cider and 2 tablespoons cubed butter in the center. Place the rib rack meat-side down in the foil and completely seal the foil. (Please refer to process images in the post if that's helpful). Repeat with the second rack and remaining 1 cup apple cider and 2 tablespoons cubed butter. Place sealed ribs back on the smoker and smoke the ribs in this braising liquid for two hours.

Step 6

Remove the ribs from the foil, brush the meat with BBQ sauce and place on the grates again meat-side up. Smoke for another hour (see notes).

Step 7

Remove the ribs from the smoker, place on a cutting board and leave undisturbed for 10 minutes to allow the juices to settle. Cut the ribs into individual pieces. Serve with additional BBQ sauce if desired. Enjoy!