Everclear 190, Finally in NY

[crazyhog]

Hi,

Since 2014, I've been using Bicardi 151 as my routine cleaner. Well, I finally ran out and it's no longer available. I was planning on getting 99% isopropyl alchohol, but always heard great things about Everclear. I recently ready that NY approved high proof spirits, over 150 proof.

Well, after some searching around in metro NY, I finally found a bottle. It's not very popular around here and a couple of liquor stores only carried the 150 proof version.

I can't wait to see how well it cleans compared to my 151. I clean my pipes lightly after almost every smoke to keep them fresh. Im a bit OCD and only an occasional aro smoker.

 

[sardonicus87]

Everclear 190 is going to work better than the Bacardi, and will be more neutral.

 

[Brad H]

a bottle of 151 would sell for some high dollar right now….
Everclear works great for cleaning pipes. It’s what I use when I go for the deep cleaning.
There is an alternative called “diesel” that may have been available in your area it’s lesser in the proof but works as well.

I have heard of green listerene being used as well.

But everclear is the best. Glad it’s available there now.

 

[ThermionicScott]

It's good stuff. A shot of vodka feels absolutely refreshing afterward.

 

[crazyhog]

It's good stuff. A shot of vodka feels absolutely refreshing afterward.

Yeah, maybe Absolute, but this stuff will melt your throat.

 

[Questionable Source]

I hear ya, CA doesn't sell above 120 proof anymore.

The folks at the website below sell 200 proof food grade ethanol, and apparently CA is cool with it:

Culinary Solvent: Premium Food Grade Ethanol

Culinary Solvent is pure, food grade ethanol. USDA Certified Organic 200 Proof and 190 Proof nondenatured ethyl alcohol designed for herbal tinctures, homemade perfumers, bakers, artisans, DIY enthusiasts, crafters and more. Distilled and bottled in the USA by The Northern Maine Distilling Company.

culinarysolvent.com

About the most neutral you can get I would think, and it cleans great.

 

[InWithBothFeet]

I thought ethanol was poisonous, but after some googling, figured out that I was thinking of methanol.

 

[anotherbob]

I thought ethanol was poisonous, but after some googling, figured out that I was thinking of methanol.

don't confuse the two.

 

[telescopes]

I hear ya, CA doesn't sell above 120 proof anymore.

The folks at the website below sell 200 proof food grade ethanol, and apparently CA is cool with it:

View attachment 392822

Culinary Solvent: Premium Food Grade Ethanol

Culinary Solvent is pure, food grade ethanol. USDA Certified Organic 200 Proof and 190 Proof nondenatured ethyl alcohol designed for herbal tinctures, homemade perfumers, bakers, artisans, DIY enthusiasts, crafters and more. Distilled and bottled in the USA by The Northern Maine Distilling Company.

culinarysolvent.com

About the most neutral you can get I would think, and it cleans great.

That is worth looking into. Thx for sharing.

 

[yohanan]

That is worth looking into. Thx for sharing.

Ditto!

 

[telescopes]

They don't sell 190 in Nevada where I live, but across the river in Fort Mohave the grocery stores carry it.

 

[Waning Embers]

I just make pipe cleaner.

 

[TheIronMonkey]

Hi,

Since 2014, I've been using Bicardi 151 as my routine cleaner. Well, I finally ran out and it's no longer available. I was planning on getting 99% isopropyl alchohol, but always heard great things about Everclear. I recently ready that NY approved high proof spirits, over 150 proof.

Well, after some searching around in metro NY, I finally found a bottle. It's not very popular around here and a couple of liquor stores only carried the 150 proof version.

I can't wait to see how well it cleans compared to my 151. I clean my pipes lightly after almost every smoke to keep them fresh. Im a bit OCD and only an occasional aro smoker.

I’ve been able to get it at Astor Wines in NYC for a couple years already. I need to restock soon.

 

[dottlejockey]

The way to go. This has been my occasional deep cleaning method for almost as long as i've smoked pipes.

 

[Sobrbiker]

I’ve been using Everclear, I never thought much of isopropyl since its smell is an additive to keep folks from drinking it I figure Everclear would be better.
I may have to investigate the 100% ethanol linked above though.

Edit: on second thought, for 60% less money and no shipping hoops to deal with, I think I’ll stick to 5% water in the Everclear.

 

[Sigmund]

Cant get everclear in france. Oddly enough I looked one day in my basement and found a bottle of ethanol in that strength. Apparently they are allowed to sell it in the hardware section for cleaning. I had ignored it in the past because I assumed it was methanol.

 

[Sig]

Living in NY on the PA border, Everclear has NEVER been illegal for me to buy.

 

[sardonicus87]

Cant get everclear in france. Oddly enough I looked one day in my basement and found a bottle of ethanol in that strength. Apparently they are allowed to sell it in the hardware section for cleaning. I had ignored it in the past because I assumed it was methanol.

Usually denatured alcohol (for cleaning) has other crap in it that's toxic to make it undrinkable (like Everclear and drinking alcohol, it's also ethanol). However, ethanol sold for consumption is taxed with a higher alcohol tax, ethanol for cleaning is taxed like regular goods.

At least here in the USA. Denatured alcohol (if that's what you have) is not something I would risk using. It could be fine provided you let the pipe dry fully, but I don't know.

I know isopropyl alcohol is safe to use though.

Denatured alcohol - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Sigmund]

The one I have is not denatured. It states the ingredients as only ethanol. Regardless, I rarely use it and Im almost out. I have some other stuff that has alcohol and other gunk in it. I dont use that one for pipes.

Just looked it up...its only ingredient is ethanol and 100 percent natural (whatever that means).
The other bottle I have has all kinds of crap added.

 

[InWithBothFeet]

Death cap mushrooms are 100% natural too... just sayin...

I've used the 99% isopropyl from the paint booth at work without any apparent ill effects.