A dry rub is a mix of dry spices that you “rub” on the meat before baking or grilling. A wet rub is more like a marinade – often mimicking some of the flavors in the dry rub but with the addition of an acid and possibly oil. For this recipe, the wet rub is just straight up bourbon and a finish at the end with the barbecue sauce. Our dry rub is inspired by Steve Raichlen's basic barbecue rub .