These classic hickory smoked pork spareribs aren't difficult to make, but they do take some time. Start them about 7 hours before you want to eat. Use your favorite bbq sauce for a glistening lacquered glaze for the bark.
Combine all the ingredients for the rub in a small bowl.
Remove the ribs from the package and pat dry with paper towels. Trim the silver skin from the ribs by using a very sharp knife to separate the silver skin from the ribs. Once you have a good sized tab, pull the silver skin from the ribs and discard.
Liberally coat the ribs on both sides with the rub and press into the flesh. Cover and refrigerate 6 hours or overnight.
Soak approximately 3 cups of hickory wood chips in water for an hour. Set up the water smoker for indirect heat according to your manufacturer's instructions. Arrange charcoal briquettes in a small mound and light. Wait until the embers are ashy and the fire is hot, then sprinkle the briquets with one or two handfuls of wood chips.
Set the water pan on the grate above the heat. Fill 2/3 with water and 1 or 2 beers (optional).
Place rib rack on the grate above the water pan and arrange the racks of ribs in the rack. (You may need to cut the racks in half to get them to fit)
Put the lid on the smoker and maintain the temperature between 225° - 250° for 4-5 hours, depending on the size and quantity of the ribs. You'll know when they're done when the ribs pull back from the bone, but avoid the temptation to look early on in the process as that will reduce the temperature and will take that much longer to get it where it needs to be.
When the ribs are cooked through, brush with your favorite barbecue sauce and cook 10-15 minutes until lacquered.
Enjoy with cold beers or your favorite summer wine.
Notes
To reheat ribs, wrap them well in foil and heat for 10-15 minutes in a 350° oven.