Flavorful Pork Chops with Beer Brine & Blackberry Vinaigrette

Ingredients

• ¾ cup kosher salt
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 bundle fresh thyme
• 2 cups cold light beer (pilsner or lager)
• 1 pint blackberries
• 1 cup hickory wood chips soaked in warm water for 1 hour and drained
• ½ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 cup grapeseed oil (or any light oil)
• Salt to taste
• 4 bone-in pork chops (2 pounds total)