Local pitmasters are sharing their expertise on what sets exceptional barbecue apart. Two Houston-area experts, Russell Fennell and Zarak Peters, have built reputations through word-of-mouth.

Fennell has nearly four decades of experience, while Peters has accumulated numerous awards. Their backgrounds and specialties are highlighted in a recent feature.

Further details on their approaches to barbecue and what they've learned throughout their careers can be found through the Defender Network, which profiled these pitmasters and their techniques.