Shudder to think what that smelled like when it let go. Was the brisket even salvageable?

You really think forgetting to drain it for a day or two is gonna ruin everything? I've left mine for like three days before and it was fine, just a little more liquid built up. The real secret is keeping the lid on tight, that's what stops the smell, not the draining schedule. People get way too worked up about the timing on this stuff, it's not like baking a souffle where missing a minute kills it.

The "crank up the thermostat instead of putting on a jacket" thing hits the nail on the head lol. I actually saw a guy on YouTube breaking down how some crews do this on purpose to make the bag stretch further, like they're trying to get 60 sq ft out of a bag meant for 50. It's crazy 'cause all that extra water just makes it weak and prone to cracking later, but I guess they figure it'll look fine long enough to get paid and bounce.

Wait, you actually switched from ice blocks to frozen bottles? I used to think bottles were too small to matter but after trying it I gotta admit you're right. Way less mess and they last just as long.

Lazy is a strong word but yeah five months is wild. I keep a roll of hardware cloth and a box of staples in my shed just for when I see a new hole appear. Caught one of those fat little buggers halfway through my garden fence last spring and just stapled him right into the wall. Stupid squirrel went limp immediately.