Chipotle Mexican Grill has recently added another meat option to its menu: brisket. This new protein can be found at US and Canadian restaurants for a limited time only. According to Chipotle, the brisket is smoked, charred, and seasoned with a medley of spices including fire-roasted jalapeños and chipotle chili peppers before being finished off with their new signature brisket sauce.
As an avid enthusiast of the Mexican chain, I wanted to see how good their new product was. Their last limited meat was carne asada, and I had a high opinion of it. With high expectations, I could only hope the brisket was as good as its meaty counterpart. 
For starters, the brisket is a lot more expensive, entering into the double digit price range at $10.10 (prices may vary on location). Additionally, it sits at 360 calories per serving, much more than any of the other meats. Calories don’t mean anything to me, but I’m looking out for all the dieters. I decided to opt for a burrito bowl in order to examine the meat closely without having to dig for it in something like a burrito.
On first impression, the meat looks the exact same as their steak. Their cutting methodology is a bit wonky with both overly large pieces and lengthy strips. Each piece is encrusted with their spice blend and has a strong smoky profile. Additionally, it had a sweet flavor synonymous to something that had been hickory smoked. While the taste is close to the amazing barbecue in our state, the texture is way off. Brisket, being a fatty cut, should be squirting with juices and tender to the touch. Chipotle’s brisket yields little moisture and is quite tough. Additionally, not all the fat had been properly rendered, leaving my mouth fighting with some especially fatty pieces. Overall, I don’t think the brisket is a strong contender. Arizona has great barbecue, so why opt for mediocrity? Additionally, the steak at Chipotle is not only cheaper but also a lot more juicy.
