Everclear and Bourbon

[darthpipe]

Just saw a Muttonchop episode of deep cleaning the pipe. Mr Chop has a cleaning solution of grain alcohol and liqueur and said it helped with the flavor of the next bowl smoked. Has anybody tried grain alcohol and bourbon mixture? Will the bourbon do any damage to the pipe?

 

[Chasing Embers]

Won't do any damage, and will impart a nice flavor. I personally use moonshine.

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

I've been using 151 proof rum :D

 

[cynicismandsugar]

No damage to the inside of the pipe whatsoever; I use pure grain alcohol [Everclear] with bristled pipe cleaners to do my deep cleanings, and have never had issues. Just use caution that you don't allow the fire water to drip on the finish of the pipe, it will strip stain and the like.
I've also used Tennesse whiskey, and it imparts an unique 'freshness' to the pipe, while pure grain alcohol is neutral.
Keep 'em clean, and puff on!

 

[cynicismandsugar]

To clarify: I use the pure grain alcohol/bristle treatment with the inside of the shank.
I use pure grain alcohol dipped Q-tips inside the bowl (while holding the pipe in a soft, dry cloth), swab the bowl with soft pipe cleaners, and then place a plug of paper towel into the bowl, so I can then work the shank with the alcohol and bristle cleaners, finishing/drying with soft tapered or regular pipe cleaners.
I'm sure someone will come along and correct me, but this is my ritual for pipes that have had a good time in rotation. I deep clean 'em take and then 'em out out of rotation for bit to dry thouroghly.

 

[sumusfumus]

I have been using McCormick's Rum Extract....which can be found in any large food market, in the Baking Section....for years to clean stems and smoke holes.
Also, you can use any grain alcohol products that you have on hand, high-proof vodkas, rums, brandy, etc. Many liquor/wine stores sell very small, personal nip-size bottles, of many popular liquors and liqueurs/cordials, etc. for a few bucks....so no need to buy a large, expensive bottle on booze that you might not drink.
I love to dip a pipe cleaner into some "Deep Eddy-Peach Flavored Vodka" and run it through pipe stems. Yum. I buy the small-size nips, and it lasts a long time.
Pipe smokers have many for "Everclear". Just stick to the GRAIN ALCOHOL (drinkable) products.

 

[ray47]

I use Everclear all the time and it works great. Wondering how A&W Root Beer mixed with Everclear would work on pipes. LOL!!!

 

[dochudson]

I would suggest no smoking while working Ever clear the flumes will go off like a bomb!

 

[deathmetal]

When I get done with a bowl, I dump the dottle on the floor, pour my drink into the pipe, then pass out with it in my hand. Works great.

 

[cigrmaster]

I have always used Everclear as that was how I was taught to clean my pipes. I am sitting here trying to think who told me to use everclear and for the life of me I cannot remember. I would think any type of 80 proof or better would be fine. I definitely would never use rubbing alcohol as to my mind, if I can't drink it, I don't want to smoke it.

 

[huntertrw]

Everclear and boubon

Not only do these make for clean pipes, but also happy pipes!

 

[jpmcwjr]

That's 20th C methodology. The modern smoker uses pure water to refresh and clean his pipes.

 

[huntertrw]

The modern smoker uses pure water to refresh and clean his pipes.

Or in the case of Cosmic's then-fiance, dish-washing liquid, too! (Thereby hangs an old tale.)

 

[mikethompson]

I have used scotch before to clean out estates and every so often on my 'own' pipes and haven't noticed it imparting any flavours to the tobacco. Maybe its an accumulation issue?

 

[oldgeezersmoker]

I've also used Tennesse whiskey

Dead faint

 

[cynicismandsugar]

Dead faint

It was early on, and I didn't want to waste the good stuff!

 

[jpmcwjr]

Or in the case of Cosmic's then-fiance, dish-washing liquid, too! (Thereby hangs an old tale.)

I bet it's a story worth re-telling.... Sounds promising. Esp. for blowing bubbles. (Though "Bubbles" could be a cute nick for Cosmic)

 

[oldgeezersmoker]

It was early on, and I didn't want to waste the good stuff!

Jack Daniels and George Dickel don't qualify as good stuff? I can understand using bourbon in pipe cleaning, but not Jack or George.

 

[cynicismandsugar]

Jack Daniels and George Dickel don't qualify as good stuff?

My intrest, beside pipes, includes photography, film, and spirits. We have a couple hundred bottles in our collection, and Jack is mostly used for cooking and mixing; it provides a raw and peppery character that excels in certain applications.
I'm not criticizing Jack or Dickel, because a persons taste in whiskey is as varied (and valid) as their taste in tobacco blends! I just don't enjoy those particular selections neat. ... my wife, on the other hand...
Edit: We also buy Jack Daniels by the 1.75L, which makes it cheaper to 'waste' on pipes. ::

 

[oldgeezersmoker]

@Jeffrey Deal,agreed re people varied tastes in spirits. I was born in the Volunteer State and except for a total of about 20 years spent in exile in Florida and Georgia, have lived my life here. You might like Prichard's if you have not tried it.