Rum or vodka
I didn't see an answer to this question in the forum any place, soI'll ask you guys your preference.
On some sites I've seen where some folks are using vodka or rum in a spray bottle to sterliize stoppers and for use in air locks. Also to soak spices in baby food jars, before pooring it into bottling buckett to clean up the batch.
If your using it to clean/sterilize would it be better to use 151 rum? I would use ever clear if it was just for sterilization, but it was outlawed in Ohio years ago.
You do you folks prefere, and how much does it effect flavor?
Marv.
Vodka or everclear works for me. I've seen brew-pubs that use isopropyl alcohol in spray bottle.
I've always used vodka in my airlocks, just in case. As far as soaking spices in it. I imagine that there would be so little vodka (compared to the 5 gallons of beer) that any change would be insignificant compared to the taste of the spices.
using vodka in the airlock is a good idea. it is more sterile than water. im not sure i understand what you mean about the spices, though.
If I happen to strongly dislike vodka and therefore had no reason to ever have a bottle in my house, would some bacardi 151 work just as well?
Thanks drogers thats pretty much it, I just don't like vodka.
So I assume, using rum wouldn't be any diffrent?
Marv.
I love a good beer, but I can never seem to push myself to buy good liquor so I always have an over abundance of cheap vodka around. Funny how that works.
Why do people here keep saying "sterilzing"? Are you performing open heart surgery? You only need to sanitize, not sterilize. Commercial breweries don't sterilize.
I have a spray bottle that I put some Star San into and fill the rest with water. Works just fine to SANITIZE my airlocks, blow off tubes, or whatever else I need it for.
count to 10, cubx. deep breath...
I use vodka...
and who in their right mind doesn't like Vodka? 
There is a big difference between sterilize and sanitize...I don't know about anyone else, but I don't have a clean room. 