So, I've Been Using Lambs Navy Rum to Clean...

[OneGoodBulldog]

EDIT: Fixed Capitalization in Title (See Rule 9)

And I can't find anything wrong with this as my own person. I know literature suggests high proof grain alcohol but the only grain alcohol I could ever stomach to buy - let alone drink! is Jamesons and that just seems a waste to pour into a cap and swish around in a pipe with a bit of cotton on a stick.

I like Lambs Navy, indeed I like all dark rums but Lambs is my go-to for drinking, so I've usually got some on hand. It seems to work and if it's imparting a rum flavor, then fine. I like rum.

Anyway, that's what I'm doing. Thoughts? Comments? A hard flung tomato or cabbage? I let the pipe dry for another day after cleaning so they're good and dry before smoking.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Many use water, I use moonshine. If it works for you, run with it. The literature is mostly opinion. I've never used alcohol on a newly purchased pipe though, no need. I save that treatment for estate purchases.

 

[Seamaster]

I've been using Lambs Navy Rum to clean...

Better than drinking it, I suppose.

(I come from a naval family, they'd be ashamed of me.)

 

[Papamique]

I routinely use a lower proof too as do many others. 80-99 proof (vodka, black magic rum, etc.). Works for me.

 

[sumusfumus]

Mccormick's 'Rum Extract' (cake flavoring) works just as well. I've used it for years. I also use 'Orange Extract' for cleaning smelly stems and the mortise area. These alcoholic extracts are cheap, effective, and can be bought in any large food market.

Also, try jamming/twisting a piece of juicy, oily, orange rind in the bowl of your pipe, and leave it there for a day or two. The aromatic citrus oils will replace any foul smells, and turn that crispy-hard cake into an easily wiped or scraped away gummy layer. No more need for aggressive reamers.

 

[OneGoodBulldog]

Better than drinking it, I suppose.

(I come from a naval family, they'd be ashamed of me.)

They'd be worse impressed if you eschewed Navy for White. Hell, I'm a bit worried if you drink white rum and up until a few hours ago we were perfect strangers!

 

[mso489]

Do you have to designate a pipe for Lambs Navy Rum? Joking.

 

[Seamaster]

They'd be worse impressed if you eschewed Navy for White. Hell, I'm a bit worried if you drink white rum and up until a few hours ago we were perfect strangers!

I’m strictly a whisky drinker. Contrary to medical advice. But to quote Father Merrin in The Exorcist when he’s offered a brandy, “The doctors say no, but thank God I’m weak”.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I keep a small bottle of 190 proof Everclear handy. The container is plastic and I don't ever drink it. Exclusively for cleaning the pipe. Seems to work very well, I see no reason to consider anything else.

 

[F4RM3R]

Yep I use 80-90 proof sprits to clean my pipes. The same ones I use for drinking and making casing/ topping as well(rum or bourbon) I think the do the job just fine and I like the smell/taste it leaves behind for the next bowl.

 

[lochinvar]

I use Everclear unless there is a is a cheaper 190 proof grain alcohol available. I have used overproof rum if I was out of Everclear. It left a slight rum taste for a smoke or two....but I like rum tobaccos so it was a win.

 

[anotherbob]

I use Everclear unless there is a is a cheaper 190 proof grain alcohol available. I have used overproof rum if I was out of Everclear. It left a slight rum taste for a smoke or two....but I like rum tobaccos so it was a win.

every once and a while I'll use alcohol to clean a pipe that doesn't really need it just to get a little bit of that wonderful hint of flavor.