Ray, welcome to the site. When I first started looking at rubs to use on ribs I was overwhelmed at the choices and variations. What would you recommend for a person new to smoking as a way to develop their own? I know taste is subjective but knowing what spice goes well with what other spice and how they taste when blended and seperately would at least give me a starting point. Is their some kind of guide out there?

Hi Paul,
If you're talking about making your own, a good start is 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup turbinado sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Then add what you like. Chili powder, onion, garlic, cayenne, black pepper, cumin etc. Try not to get too out there, and try to get it all balkanced out. Then try it. I usually use the same rub on everything, but it will taste different.

If you're talking about buying some, Smokin' Guns, Head Country and Texas Rib Rangers all do very well.

I kind of remember a rub with the name "Bonesmokers" that did quite well!!

Yes, that's another good one by yours truly, but it's only available in 10 lb boxes and only through hawgeyesbbq.com