The best pen I've ever used? Benu Euphoria Bourbon Fountain Pen Review

This really blew my mind out of the water!
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[@Suiseisexy]

I just got this pen in broad the other day and loooove it. So if anyone was curious about the bigger nibs, it's the same, amazingly smooth and wet out of the box and it's handling a really beefy shimmer ink (J.Herbin Shogun) with no fussiness at all. It is in fact okay to put the sparkles in your sparkles so your sparkles can sparkle while they sparkle.

[@kimberlyhuffman3115]

Omg Just this morning I ordered a Bourbon with the broad nib plus a sample of the JH Shogun ink. Great minds think alike!

[@jentaylor7631]

I have the whole set of Euphoria with the exception of Bora Bora. They ALL write like a dream. I have them in F through B. These pens are excellent.

[@BillAdler]

I have three Benu's and I love them.

[@anitasamuel-george5788]

I have the Bora Bora! You need it to complete the set! LOL. But hope to get a few more Euphorias!

[@jentaylor7631]

@@anitasamuel-george5788 I was thinking it wasn't very stunning. What do you think? Show me a poc of yours in it's new natural environment?!?

[@anitasamuel-george5788]

@@jentaylor7631 Hi! I love turquoise…so I’m partial to that! I also like the gold and silver sparkles in the pen! It is reminiscent of the Beach and the Tropics. So it makes me happy especially during a cold winter where I live! I’m not sure how to post a pic here??🤔 But my second Euphoria would be Vodka on the Rocks! I also want to get a Talisman. 💕 Long list!

[@darkfeign]

I got to the nib reveal and had the same reaction: "Wow.. that's a lot of money for a plain old off-the-shelf nib", but it's reassuring to hear that they've spent the time/money tuning somebody else's nib rather than making a nicer looking mediocre nib.

[@marilyngardner4269]

I started out with no interest in BENU pens because of the bling. Then I was hearing good things about them, so I went for the comparatively conservative Euphoria in Caviar (the grey one) and fell in love with it. I now have three Euphoria pens and two Talismans. I agree that they write so well, and their attention to detail is incredible. The facets always line up, etc. I've come to admire the company's innovative approach to pen design, and they are a joy to use. I think they deserve all the kudos they get!

[@CrackerFlower]

I got the Iced Caramel Latte... I got it in that color to fill a gap in color pallet in my pen collection. I think I will be going back to get the Caviar one at some point myself. That one reminds me of a geode. The gray looks like stone, and the glitter, like crystals peeking out. Good choice!

[@BlueMel_MH]

Love my Benu pens and in particular the Euphoria model. The medium and broad nibs are especially wonderful.

[@Heidejournal]

I have the Euphoria Vodka on the Rocks with a medium nib and love it ! Also, I have the super colorful Hexagon D with a broad #5 nib which is a lot of fun and writes very well, too. And just last week I got the limited edition Talisman Wild Rose with a medium nib… because I‘m a sucker for pink. 😆 The blingyness of the pens takes some getting used to - one might think Benu doesn‘t take the subject of fountain pens seriously… but does it always have to be so serious ? I think not. They speak to my inner child, I like that… and the writing experience is worth the money in my humble opinion. ☺️

[@MarshaLove0723]

I have the Wild Rose too. It is 💖 !PINK! 💖 😀

[@jeanneprice6736]

I cannot fathom why having a “branded” nib is an important criterion. You rightfully compliment the nib for how it writes. Isn’t that the most important characteristic ?

[@Feemy]

Picky people problems 🤦‍♂️🙄

[@bluejchou4404]

Kerry, I may have said this before on a different post but I say "Ditto!" on how you described the experience writing with your 1st Benu. It is the best "experience" I have had with any of my pens, my highest end pen would probably be the Pelikan M800, and my favorite nib would be the broad on my Pilot Custom 823, but the Benu really does take the cake for overall favorite pen. Like I said previously, I never in a million years would have predicted loving such "gaudy" pens but I'm glad for the push out of my comfort zone, its been a real pleasure! Wait until you buy a Scepter, it is so cool. I do prefer the #6 nib over the #5 on that one though. Cheers!

[@tammyd4208]

I couldn’t help myself. I’ve been eyeing the Benu Vodka on the Rocks and after your glowing review, had to have it. Hoping my experience is as joyful as yours! 💜

[@antoinettesharp6030]

I have 3 BENUs - My first can only be purchased directly from BENU. It’s from the Ambrosia line and - man, I don’t like to say I adore a pen - but I do. I use any excuse I can find to pick it up and write with it. Doodle with it. Compose with it. Just HOLD it and roll it around in my hand like it’s a worry stone or a good luck piece. I also have the Bora Bora in the Euphoria line. I’m so very fond of Schmidt nibs! I have them on YStudio pens as well, which was where I first fell in deep like with them. But the BENU experience is just so thoroughly sensory and delightful in every way I can think to say. But enough people have said that that I’m just singing to the choir here. HOWEVER - Re: Buying from a RUSSIAN company…………… I reached out directly to the staff at the BENU soon after the invasion of Ukraine. They afterall were the only people I “knew” in Russia. I wanted to express my sorrow to them, the people who live and work in Russia, who too are SUFFERING, and will be for decades, who are ashamed, who themselves have family and friends in Ukraine. I didn’t expect a response. But I received the most gracious and lovely note back. And yes, their staff was beyond sick, horrified, at the enormous pain the people of Ukraine are enduring. Co-workers have family there and didn’t yet know if they were “safe”. I intend to continue to buy from them. They - like most of the victims of this senseless war - are innocents, doing their best to live their lives and offer a unique, creative, very expressive and high quality product. I took a flying leap when I bought my first Benu, based entirely on raves I’d heard. Nothing like it had ever appealed to me before. I’m not a blingy gal. But the way this pen writes, the quality craftsmanship, and the way it feels in my hand, the shimmer has grown on me. I find certain ones of them absolutely delightful now. --. Thanks for the review Kerry. It was appropriately gushy, just like mine would be!!! ☺️

[@davidmathews2124]

Thank you so much for your report of the experience you had with the company. It ultimately “allowed” me to go ahead a purchase this very pen in medium.

[@ZenMasterIDontThink]

Excellent review as ever, thank you. My Euphoria Bourbon stands in my ten pen circular wooden storage unit from Galen, and it totally outshines it’s brothers and sisters. As you say the nib is the best. An absolute joy to use.

[@tfjarvisgirl]

I accidentally came across the Talisman model; Edelweiss with a medium nib. The moment I put the nib down to write I actually gasped!! Beautiful pen and no complaints writing with it. In my list to get more. I paired the Edelweiss with Diamine’s Aurora Borealis. Just perfect!! Enjoy your Benu!

[@dlouwizardflipchy9671]

Hi!!! I got myself a birthday present this February & got the Talisman Edelweiss F & I’m sooo happy! It writes like a dream & I couldn’t stop looking at it & admiring it! I’m planning to expand my Benu collection & thinking of what to get next. Thanks!!! 😁

[@KarynaLovesToPlan]

Hello! Fellow Canadian here. I am very intrigued by BENU and your reviews are definitely making me want to purchase one! I was also a bit skeptic all but your review is so helpful. Thank you!

[@anitasamuel-george5788]

I love Benu pens…I have 2. Both write beautifully and such a great writing experience for me. I know people have talked about the branding on the nib but I agree I wouldn’t want it to raise the price because it’s not so important to me. It doesn’t stop me from buying the pen. Looking forward to acquiring more as they make me smile and brings lots of enjoyment and joy! I have enough boring looking pens! Just wanted to add…I have both the #5 and #6 nibs in fine and both are excellent!

[@BCSpecht89]

I just ordered a Benu Euphoria medium nib in limited edition Watermelon Mojito from Goulet Pens. Talk about gaudy and blingy! Who says that great fountain pens have to be stodgy and boring? I can't wait for it to arrive. This will be my second Benu penn. After watching your review of your birthday pen, the Benu Briolette in Luminous Amber, I just had to have it! The first time I wrote with it I thought it was a bit too scratchy. But I adjusted my writing angle just a smidge and it made all the difference. This pen is so smooth and dependable, it is an absolute joy to write with! I even choose it over another brand that cost twice as much and that has a custom-ground nib. It's good to learn that the Benu folks personally tune each nib. If my Briliotte is any example, I expect great things from my new Euphoria. Thank you for your reviews.

[@tinkthestrange]

Just got into the hobby a few months ago. I only have 2 pens and 2 inks. Beni Euphoria Vodka on the Rocks is my current grail pen. Good to know the price is justified

[@jennieeveleighlamond]

I LOVE my Benu pen. It glows in the dark. In fact it glows so strongly, even after 2 years that I can't keep it beside my bed! It's a great, wet writer.

[@TheDormousesDesk]

This pen is definitely on my wish list. I love that you paired it with KWZ Honey, it’s a favorite of mine and you can bet when I get my hands on one, it’ll be filled with that ink. 💛

[@tomjefferson-brain6966]

Just want to say your reviews and videos have been super helpful! I just bought this pen for my partner in the ludicrous blurpley colour!

[@danielmargules6270]

It's certainly high praise from you Kerry, to exclaim that the Benu is 'hands down' one of the BEST fountain pens you've written with! Considering how many 'high-end' fountain pens - for LOTS of $$$ - and they don't even write as well. Kinda makes a $125 USD price very reasonable, don't you think?

[@PensandTea]

This is very true!

[@karenmyrie6215]

Great review Kerry. Fellow January birthday girl here 🤗 I have had 2 Benus for 2+ yrs, and I LOVE THEM. Glow in the dark Ocean Breeze w/1.1mm nib [paired w/Monteverde Amethyst] & Turquoise Tessera w/broad nib [paired w/Diamine Magical Forest shimmering ink]. Benu does make these more "showy" pens, but they are a joy to use & display.

[@wittwittwer1043]

Like Kerry, I own the Bourbon model like the one she demonstrates, with a M nib. I agree with her assessment. I have four Benu pens, one each from the following "collections:" Minima, Briolette, Scepter, and Euphoria. One, the Minima, has a fine nib, but all the rest are Ms. The F writes a little on the dry side, but is an acceptable writer. Because I have many pens by different manufacturers, most so far may be considered "staid," business-like pens, conservative in design and color. The exceptions are a red Laban 325, a gold "chevron" patterned Sheaffer Legacy, and a metal, sculpted, gold-colored Chinese "dragon" pen. Benu pens are made in Moscow, Russia, and I consider their quality extremely good for the money.

[@manuelespinosa724]

I bought one and am very happy with the nib

[@rorilee9791]

I bought a Briolette recently. The first time I wrote with it, I had to stop and look at the nib--I was shocked at how freaking wonderfully it writes. DEF buying more of these!

[@TheNibNerd]

Benu is amazing! I have several different models. It's buttery smooth.

[@jimborge1]

I enjoyed your review, as usual. I have a Benu Euphoria in Bourbon and I agree, it is a very nice pen. Benu pens are so flamboyant, I only write with them at home; I never take them out in public. I did like your choice of ink also. Presently I have mine inked with Diamine Ancient Copper, but since I recently obtained a bottle of KWZ Honey, I'll use that on my next inking. Thank you for the idea.

[@darkchocolate4643]

I was a bit on the fence about getting a Benu because I thought they were so gaudy... Your review pushed me over the edge, especially when you talked about the nib. I got a Talisman Dragon's Blood and I actually love how it looks. It's so sparkly, it brings a smile to my face every time I reach for it. And that F nib... oh myyyyyy.

[@CrackerFlower]

I syringe fill my Benu Euphoria (and most pens really) with a syringe. It would solve the problem of ink collecting in the ridge. It cuts mess in pretty much all situations. I never end up with inky hands doing it that way. After I reseat the converter back on the pen, I just prime the feed a bit by twisting the convert until I see a drop of ink START to form on the nib, then pull it back a bit... and there you go!

[@sunny8254]

I just recieved a Benu Ambrosia in the "Forget-Me-Not" colorway this morning (turquoise and gold sparkles with pink chunky heart glitter). It's SUPER dreamy. Oh my goodness. 😍 My #1 favorite pen, and a pleasing pocket size.

[@florencefortyseven]

In November, I had a bourbon and coke with lunch. Last time I tried it, I hated it, but I thought I'd try it again. It was delicious! I wondered what happened last time... then I realised, I bought a double, so the taste was twice as strong 😂. 🥃.

[@kathrynsargent5769]

I just bought a Benu pen, after seeing your video. Thanks!

[@melindabooth9806]

I had the same reservations.... I may give it a shot now! Thanks for being brave on our behalf.

[@emcrolls]

I have been fascinated by this pen since it came out✒️🥃✒️

[@S.L._]

Great video. Most of the Benu pens are a little too blingy for me, but I like some of them. And I love the Euphoria in French Poetry. It's near the top of my list of pens I want, but in a range that's pricey enough for me that I have to save up for and choose pens in that range that I want carefully and rarely. I didn't know about the nib tuning, though -- that definitely moves the pen up in my estimation, and on my list. I'd also like a Minima in Water Spirit, but I have a personal rule against buying pens that can only be used with cartridges, and the Kaweco squeeze converters are getting hard to find. I like the eyedropper pens I have, but I'm leary of converting one that wasn't specifically designed for it.

[@CharlesBallowe]

Surprised it's not loaded with the James purdey ink - whiskey theme!

[@PensandTea]

I already had that ink in two pens so I decided to restrain myself hahaha

[@davidmathews2124]

The divot into which the clip rests also prevents the clip from being damaged if the end is struck from the side. It can’t be bent since the divot holds it in place. Right? Brilliant!!! OK OK! I bought one exactly like this but in medium. I have WAY too many black funeral pens. PS: finally subscribed. Love ya.

[@JustScribble]

I love mine. I have the vodka too. I’ve got videos on mine too.

[@misswoodhouse5720]

Hi, I bought a Benu, and my mum absolutely loves it, she says it's her favourite pen of mine. Ps, great video :) Chelsea

[@writenow6948]

In your video, you mentioned potentially upgrading the videography. I highly recommend the Canon M50 for vlogs.

[@andreasoilander5407]

Do you mean you like this pen's writing experience more than Pilot Custom 823 and Lamy 2000?? I thought at first it was too blingy, but I kind of like the way it looks. It's a lot of fun! In my opinion the black section and the black part of the cap suit it very well and give a very nice visual balance to the pen, which would look less pretty if it was entirely golden, but it's a matter of preference.

[@PensandTea]

Honestly…I do like it better than the L2K! Not by much but I like the grip better than the Lamy. The Pilot 823, well they’re vastly different so hard to compare lol

[@MarshaLove0723]

The only thing I don't like is the black band. Ha. But I love the Euphoria model of BENU. I now have several, and a couple of the Tailsman models. They all write well.

[@fearlessknits]

I’m still holding off on buying a Benu, but I am sure one will someday catch my eye and be irresistible.

[@grantsypants4743]

I just received my euphoria today. I thought I’d never get another pen I’d love more than my Edison. I can’t believe I might actually be wrong.

[@stephenbridges2791]

I just bought a new fountain pen this past week. I had it down to an Opus 88 Omar and an Euphoria. I chose the 88. Now, I am thinking I am going back and get the Euphoria as well. Oh well, it's only money.

[@jamesaritchie1]

Different tastes. Didn't like the nibs at all, but LOVE the pens. I've used three of them for a week each. Honestly, I didn't like any of the nibs, but that's pretty typical of me and steel nibs. I have eight Metropolitans, and each has a wonderful nib on it, but I had to buy something like twenty-five Metropolitans and a handful of Kakuno in order to get eight pens with wonderful nibs. One of those Metropolitans with a medium Kakuno nib, writes as well as any steel nib I've ever owned. I know you aren't fond of TWSBI nibs, but I think they're the best steel nibs on the market. Or can be, and I own twenty-one of those. I also own two Opus 88 pens, and they, too, have nibs I love. Having said that, the Benu pens simply can't be judged with videos and photos. I thought they looked cheap and gawdy when viewed on KZbin, but in person those same pens were beautiful. The bling is so well done, and somehow fits the pen so well that I couldn't stop looking at them. And feeling them, for that matter. The one I want isn't all that blingy, I guess, but I think it's beautiful. It's the Talisman Mandrake. I swore I would never buy one of these pens, but I'm afraid they're going to be my next obsession. I keep going to the website and looking though the selections, and I've already found half a dozen that look great, now that I know the photos can't be trusted to show how pretty and well-made, they are.

[@archivist17]

Benu is waaaay too, too....er, I dunno, maybe 'extrovert' for me, but they do make distinctive and excellent writing instruments. Even I, with my extensive dull collection of mostly black pens, am tempted by the Euphoria!

[@jentaylor7631]

I'm a Meyers Brigs confirmed INTj... you can't get more introverted and I love them.

[@marilyngardner4269]

You might want to check out the Euphoria in Caviar (the grey one). It still has a good sprinkling of silver sparkle, but it's slightly more subdued than the others and very attractive.

[@archivist17]

@@marilyngardner4269 I will! Not that there's enough left in my pen budget at the moment! 😆

[@marilyngardner4269]

@@archivist17 Same here. Buying has paused for a while.

[@AtilioEscobar]

That's what I hear about ALL Benu pens. That they all write nice n wet, and are always tuned perfectly. Still on my want list.=]

[@princeajaz9167]

I am confused between benu euphoria and diplomat aero. Kindly advice

[@PensandTea]

I love the euphoria but I’ve never used the aero before. Maybe someone else can jump in here?

[@princeajaz9167]

@@PensandTea thanks

[@ichirofakename]

This high praise is interesting and useful. I'll have to take another look at the Hexagon-F, their least blingy model, which appeals to conservative ol' me.

[@michaelmedlinger6399]

I bought the "Vodka on the Rocks" model, which is the same, but in silver. Perhaps I should get this one as well and start a cocktail bar! I also have the Black Opal, which is significantly more subtle (especially for Benu!).

[@allthethings6379]

Would you say this F nib lays a thicker line than say a Pilot F nib?

[@PensandTea]

Yes

[@Igor_Itkin]

What nib size is this?

[@PensandTea]

Fine

[@konradyearwood5845]

It looks like you are holding a nebula.

[@rochester212]

Benu engineers be like: "Gorgeous shimmering body... Let't put a huge black plastic ring in the middle of the pen and totally ruin it. And... done".

[@thuntz29]

I haven’t seen one I like but also the whole Russia situation makes me think twice about getting anything Russian. :(

[@teresaharris-travelbybooks5564]

They have found a new home in Armenia.

[@ylee7644]

Apparently Benu is moving from Russia to Albania because of this whole Ukraine thing. I have a Gazing Far pen with a Schmidt nib, and I quite like it. I'm surprised their nibs aren't more popular than they are.

[@darkchocolate4643]

Armenia, not Albania.

[@kinslowrainer3982]

@@darkchocolate4643 Haha! Oops! I was reading The Siege by Ismail Kadare at the time. So I had Albania on my mind. 😳

[@darkchocolate4643]

@@kinslowrainer3982 Is it any good?

[@kinslowrainer3982]

@@darkchocolate4643 It's a little disappointing. It's a multi-character look at an Ottoman siege of an Albanian castle. The characters and plot are really thin. Even the language is pretty bland. However, its purpose is to critique the Soviet Union (and authoritarianism in general).

[@darkchocolate4643]

@@kinslowrainer3982 It's a translation of a translation, so that's hardly surprising (I take it you're reading it in English). I'll steer clear, thanks for the heads up. If I'm in the mood for a book that critiques the Soviet Union, I'm sure there is better to be had.

[@jamesfahey7188]

Is it still cool to buy Benu given current geopolitical developments. Yes, Benu is not Putin, but purchasing Russian goods is providing Russia with hard currency (if they can access it). I feel it would be an act of solidarity with the people of Ukraine not to buy Benu.

[@darkchocolate4643]

Not only are they very vocal about their disapproval of the war (Alex even went to jail for it), they've left Russia over it and moved themselves and their business to Armenia. So yes, IMHO, it is very cool to buy Benu pens.

[@justjennie7394]

Well they’re in Armenia now and this was never their fault in the first place soooo……

[@markcollins2876]

These Benu pens look like cheap children’s costume jewelry.

[@Izanuela22]

I bought a benu pen because of your reviews about them and because I was looking for a smooth and wet nib… And what cam I say… I am sooooo disappointed 😢 The pen looks ok, but actually quite cheap and the nib is sooo scratchy and dry… Is it possible that you were just lucky with your nibs? I am going to send it back I guess, because for that money I can actually buy ten ugly lamy safaris (that I don’t really like but that I know will write better than this benu…) Or was I just very unlucky? The nib on that thing is horrible…