Hi Rascal, This year we didn't brine, the previous 3 years we did brine. This years turkey was good but not great as in the previous 3 years. The final tell was the day after turkey soup. In the years I've brined I've never had to add any spice to the pot to get great flavor, this years soup is just not as good. I will never not brine again. Catch the link for a truely great recipe. Cheers, bruce