Ink Review: Diamine Merlot

[Chrissy]

I have decided to review some of my inks. Today I selected two red wine associated inks. This one is Merlot.

The ink colors though seem to be the other way around. So Merlot ink is darker, and more 'plummy' than Syrah.

I like them both. Wines and inks that is.

I compared this ink with J Herbin Pousierre de lune, and with Diamine Music Gift set Handel. They are both slightly more purple whereas Merlot leans towards the browner side of the burgundy red spectrum. They tend to be quite popular shades though.

• The water test on the review form shows this isn't a waterproof ink. In fact it almost completely washed away with a couple of drops of cold water.

• Bearing in mind the paper I use is very smooth, and the nib was a Lamy medium, this ink dried quite quickly: 10-12 secs to dry

• It flows reasonably wet, not chalky and lubricates the nib well. I noticed no problems with flow start-up, or drying out or lubrication.

• It is currently available in 80ml glass bottles or 30ml plastic refill bottles.

• Diamine sell it directly to end-users on their web-site.

• It's a reasonable price

Diamine Merlot.jpg