Yes, the hot water did the trick, although the cap was very stubborn right up till the end. The contents had about the same English Leather aroma as I remember from my long ago youth, but I suppose the ultimate opinion would have to come from a woman from the long ago past.
WD40, Liquid Wrench, GooGone and other Citrus Cleaners, 409, and Duct Tape...great inventions...not sure how the world used to get along without these products.