neuroticus
New Member
Posts: 40
Favorite Pipe: Brebbia Cappuccio Noce 601
Favorite Tobacco: Cult Blood Red Moon
Location:
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Post by neuroticus on Dec 9, 2021 8:48:43 GMT -5
Greetings,
Haven't posted in a while, but I wanted to share out of curiosity.
I was cleaning my pipes between every few smokes with some Captain's. Just a bit on the pipe cleaner
to absorb a bit more of the residue.
I noticed that I started having a bit of a gag reflex sometimes when I smoked. Just didn't agree with me.
It kind of bummed me out as I still enjoyed the taste of my favorite blends.
recently I ditched the Rum out of experimentation, and low and behold, it went away.
Any insight into this from experienced smokers? Any experiences yourself?
and, when I do need to clean, what's a viable substitute now?
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Post by Ronv69 on Dec 9, 2021 10:53:33 GMT -5
I prefer to use 151 rum, besides cleaning it slightly sweetens the pipe. I would think that spiced rum would build up a strong ghost after a short time. Everclear is the standard, though many choose to use the 91% isopropyl alcohol. Cask strength bourbon is also a favorite of mine.
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Post by william on Dec 9, 2021 12:33:20 GMT -5
I clean a pipe after every smoke. And I finish it off with a bit of cognac on a pipe cleaner. Never had a problem.
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Post by Ronv69 on Dec 9, 2021 12:38:32 GMT -5
I think the spice might be the problem. Captain Morgan isn't a normal rum.
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Post by instymp on Dec 9, 2021 17:48:05 GMT -5
I think the spice might be the problem. Captain Morgan isn't a normal rum. It's my normal rum!! . With coke.  |
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Post by Ronv69 on Dec 9, 2021 20:29:28 GMT -5
I think the spice might be the problem. Captain Morgan isn't a normal rum. It's my normal rum!! . With coke. It's not really rum, but more of a rum flavored drink, like honey whiskey. Only 100 proof or higher to not leave too much moisture in the pipes. And the flavoring in the CM is going to be worse for ghosting a pipe than the heaviest Lakeland. |
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neuroticus
New Member
Posts: 40
Favorite Pipe: Brebbia Cappuccio Noce 601
Favorite Tobacco: Cult Blood Red Moon
Location:
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Post by neuroticus on Dec 9, 2021 21:33:59 GMT -5
It's my normal rum!! . With coke. It's not really rum, but more of a rum flavored drink, like honey whiskey. Only 100 proof or higher to not leave too much moisture in the pipes. And the flavoring in the CM is going to be worse for ghosting a pipe than the heaviest Lakeland. Thanks for the feedback everyone. Trial & error this pastime. Might try the cognac, if not I have the proper Isopropyl. Cheers |
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Post by trailboss on Dec 9, 2021 21:36:31 GMT -5
My opinion is that Everclear is about as good as it gets… it cleans the gunk better than any solvent, and evaporates, leaving no residual chemical taste.
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Post by bonanzadriver on Dec 9, 2021 21:52:51 GMT -5
I've been fortunate enough to have accumulated a fair size Briar stable over the last 5 years or so. Somewhere between 175 & 200.
As most here probably remember, the vast majority of these are Estates that I've refurbed. I do have 15 or 20 pipes that I purchased new or had commissioned.
In the beginning, when refurbing pipes,I would thoroughly soak the bowls with kosher salt and everclear, then ream em, then sand the bowls down to the briar, thus eliminating any possibility of ghosting.
But, with all of that being said, I do not thoroughly clean each pipe after each smoke.
I usually clean out the bowl with a czek tool and place em in the rack or stand for the next time.
When I do pick up to smoke I always remove the stem, run a pipe cleaner through the shank and then one through the stem. Reconnect the stem and blow a few strong puffs through the pipe to clear out any dottle (scoobie snacks).
Every few months I will take the time to lightly ream the bowl if the cake's getting thick or uneven. Will also clean up the rim of the bowl, with spit and a microfiber cloth, to get the grime off of it, as well as cleaning up the oxidation on any vulcanite stems.
I will occasionally use pipe cleaners with everclear on em to run through the stems and shanks if the seem particularly goopey. Have never experienced any issues with smokin em after doin so.
So, put me in the "Don't Deep Clean My Briars After Every Smoke" camp.
Cheers
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Post by Ronv69 on Dec 9, 2021 22:17:38 GMT -5
It's not really rum, but more of a rum flavored drink, like honey whiskey. Only 100 proof or higher to not leave too much moisture in the pipes. And the flavoring in the CM is going to be worse for ghosting a pipe than the heaviest Lakeland. Thanks for the feedback everyone. Trial & error this pastime. Might try the cognac, if not I have the proper Isopropyl. Cheers Don't use Cognac every time. |
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Post by stjepipes on Dec 9, 2021 23:37:16 GMT -5
I always smoke the tobacco down to pure ash, so the pipe is dry and fresh when finished the bowl. After the smoke I clean normally with 2 pipe cleaners, so the pipe is clean inside. Clean the stem and bowl with a soft cloth. store it in the pipe rack to get air circulation for a day or two. Then it's ready and fresh for next smoke. Now and then I give some of my pipes the "big cleaning tour". Here I clean stem and bowl separately. I use either pure alcohol or some times JD whiskey, which I like, to clean inside. Ream the chamber for cake, if necessary and the rim get cleaned and, if smooth rim, grinded and polished. At the end, I polish the pipe with wax and buff the complete pipe on machine with carnauba wax. Then the pipe is as new again and ready for many happy coming smokes. I have never noticed any ghost taste from the JD whiskey, when I use this. If it should happen, I would just enjoy it. |
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Post by Ronv69 on Dec 10, 2021 0:18:27 GMT -5
I always smoke the tobacco down to pure ash, so the pipe is dry and fresh when finished the bowl. After the smoke I clean normally with 2 pipe cleaners, so the pipe is clean inside. Clean the stem and bowl with a soft cloth. store it in the pipe rack to get air circulation for a day or two. Then it's ready and fresh for next smoke. Now and then I give some of my pipes the "big cleaning tour". Here I clean stem and bowl separately. I use either pure alcohol or some times JD whiskey, which I like, to clean inside. Ream the chamber for cake, if necessary and the rim get cleaned and, if smooth rim, grinded and polished. At the end, I polish the pipe with wax and buff the complete pipe on machine with carnauba wax. Then the pipe is as new again and ready for many happy coming smokes. I have never noticed any ghost taste from the JD whiskey, when I use this. If it should happen, I would just enjoy it. The bourbon flavor will burn off all too soon. |
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Post by stjepipes on Dec 10, 2021 1:50:48 GMT -5
I always smoke the tobacco down to pure ash, so the pipe is dry and fresh when finished the bowl. After the smoke I clean normally with 2 pipe cleaners, so the pipe is clean inside. Clean the stem and bowl with a soft cloth. store it in the pipe rack to get air circulation for a day or two. Then it's ready and fresh for next smoke. Now and then I give some of my pipes the "big cleaning tour". Here I clean stem and bowl separately. I use either pure alcohol or some times JD whiskey, which I like, to clean inside. Ream the chamber for cake, if necessary and the rim get cleaned and, if smooth rim, grinded and polished. At the end, I polish the pipe with wax and buff the complete pipe on machine with carnauba wax. Then the pipe is as new again and ready for many happy coming smokes. I have never noticed any ghost taste from the JD whiskey, when I use this. If it should happen, I would just enjoy it. The bourbon flavor will burn off all too soon. Yes, unfortunately  |
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Post by Legend Lover on Dec 10, 2021 5:02:27 GMT -5
I always smoke the tobacco down to pure ash, so the pipe is dry and fresh when finished the bowl. After the smoke I clean normally with 2 pipe cleaners, so the pipe is clean inside. Clean the stem and bowl with a soft cloth. store it in the pipe rack to get air circulation for a day or two. Then it's ready and fresh for next smoke. Now and then I give some of my pipes the "big cleaning tour". Here I clean stem and bowl separately. I use either pure alcohol or some times JD whiskey, which I like, to clean inside. Ream the chamber for cake, if necessary and the rim get cleaned and, if smooth rim, grinded and polished. At the end, I polish the pipe with wax and buff the complete pipe on machine with carnauba wax. Then the pipe is as new again and ready for many happy coming smokes. I have never noticed any ghost taste from the JD whiskey, when I use this. If it should happen, I would just enjoy it. JD is what I have used for deep cleans. I never use alcohol for the routine clean - just a pipe cleaner through the shank, stem and bowl seems to do it for me. |
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Post by stjepipes on Dec 10, 2021 6:00:29 GMT -5
I always smoke the tobacco down to pure ash, so the pipe is dry and fresh when finished the bowl. After the smoke I clean normally with 2 pipe cleaners, so the pipe is clean inside. Clean the stem and bowl with a soft cloth. store it in the pipe rack to get air circulation for a day or two. Then it's ready and fresh for next smoke. Now and then I give some of my pipes the "big cleaning tour". Here I clean stem and bowl separately. I use either pure alcohol or some times JD whiskey, which I like, to clean inside. Ream the chamber for cake, if necessary and the rim get cleaned and, if smooth rim, grinded and polished. At the end, I polish the pipe with wax and buff the complete pipe on machine with carnauba wax. Then the pipe is as new again and ready for many happy coming smokes. I have never noticed any ghost taste from the JD whiskey, when I use this. If it should happen, I would just enjoy it. JD is what I have used for deep cleans. I never use alcohol for the routine clean - just a pipe cleaner through the shank, stem and bowl seems to do it for me. Agree, it's quit simple and then we also have the excuse to have a small glass of it to enjoy, when we do the "hard" work |
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Zach
Pro Member
If you can't send money, send tobacco.
Posts: 4,360
First Name: Zach
Favorite Pipe: Too many currently, bound to change
Favorite Tobacco: Haunted Bookshop, Big 'N' Burley, Pegasus, Habana Daydream, OJK, Rum Twist, FVF, Escudo, Orlik Golden Sliced, Kendal Flake, Ennerdale
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Post by Zach on Dec 10, 2021 9:49:37 GMT -5
Everclear, 99%, or 91% isopropyl, or denatured ethanol, extraction grade. I would never use drinking alcohol in one of my pipes, though I tried it long ago for the novelty and bad suggestions from others. Everclear or 99% denatured, or 99% iso are best because they are powerful solvents against tobacco tar and oil and quickly evaporate. 91% does the trick if you can't obtain those, but never use 70% or drinking alcohol. You're putting too much water into the briar of your pipe and it doesn't evaporate quickly enough. Drinking alcohols have too much flavoring and chemicals in them that will dry in your pipe and like neuroticus found out, you'll be puffing those volatile chemicals into your mouth/throat. I run a pipe cleaner through each pipe after every smoke but I don't clean my pipes until they get too caked up or start to sour from too much slurry and tar along the stummel and shank. Folks are going to clean their pipes how they see fit and that's totally fine, but if your goal is actually cleaning the pipe and not imparting extra flavors and chemicals and soaking water into the briar you want pure solvent. 80 proof alcohol for drinking is only 40% alcohol, and 60% water. 100 proof is only 50% alcohol. |
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Post by zambini on Dec 10, 2021 10:25:56 GMT -5
I use vodka for deeper cleans. It's cheap, little taste and always on hand.
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Post by Ronv69 on Dec 10, 2021 11:12:39 GMT -5
I always smoke the tobacco down to pure ash, so the pipe is dry and fresh when finished the bowl. After the smoke I clean normally with 2 pipe cleaners, so the pipe is clean inside. Clean the stem and bowl with a soft cloth. store it in the pipe rack to get air circulation for a day or two. Then it's ready and fresh for next smoke. Now and then I give some of my pipes the "big cleaning tour". Here I clean stem and bowl separately. I use either pure alcohol or some times JD whiskey, which I like, to clean inside. Ream the chamber for cake, if necessary and the rim get cleaned and, if smooth rim, grinded and polished. At the end, I polish the pipe with wax and buff the complete pipe on machine with carnauba wax. Then the pipe is as new again and ready for many happy coming smokes. I have never noticed any ghost taste from the JD whiskey, when I use this. If it should happen, I would just enjoy it. JD is what I have used for deep cleans. I never use alcohol for the routine clean - just a pipe cleaner through the shank, stem and bowl seems to do it for me. That is actually the best use I can think of for Jack Daniel's. I liked it when I was 16. |
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rastewart
Junior Member
Posts: 360
First Name: Rich
Favorite Pipe: Freehands, bent bulldogs, and the incomparable Peterson 303
Favorite Tobacco: Mac Baren's Scottish Blend (Mixture), C&D Mountain Camp, C&D Bayou Morning
Location:
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Post by rastewart on Dec 10, 2021 14:49:25 GMT -5
I think the spice might be the problem. Captain Morgan isn't a normal rum. It's my normal rum!! . With coke.  |
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Post by instymp on Dec 10, 2021 18:12:03 GMT -5
It's my normal rum!! . With coke. And for pipes (Smoking) Have a tad bit of 151 left and everclear. Captain & coke for other internal uses at times. |
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Rattlesnake Daddy
Full Member
Posts: 630
Favorite Pipe: Always changing
Favorite Tobacco: G&H Dark Birds Eye, Bayou Night.
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Post by Rattlesnake Daddy on Dec 12, 2021 9:02:20 GMT -5
I wipe the chamber down with a paper towel and run a pipe cleaner through the stem after each smoke. Every once in a while, if I feel things are getting gunked up, I'll run a pipe cleaner with 91% Isopropyl alcohol through it. I've never used drinking alcohol, as I am afraid it might leave a lingering flavor. I find I am not typically a fan of alcohol topped blends either, so YMMV.
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neuroticus
New Member
Posts: 40
Favorite Pipe: Brebbia Cappuccio Noce 601
Favorite Tobacco: Cult Blood Red Moon
Location:
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Post by neuroticus on Dec 16, 2021 20:48:15 GMT -5
I wipe the chamber down with a paper towel and run a pipe cleaner through the stem after each smoke. Every once in a while, if I feel things are getting gunked up, I'll run a pipe cleaner with 91% Isopropyl alcohol through it. I've never used drinking alcohol, as I am afraid it might leave a lingering flavor. I find I am not typically a fan of alcohol topped blends either, so YMMV. This is precisely what I did with all the pipes in my rotation, and it helped immensely. I think I'm sold on keeping it simple going forward. |
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