What Were the Top 5 Hottest Inks of 2021?

[@quailypoes]

You guys should do an inkvent calendar too, it'd be fun! Even if it's just sample sizes to keep the price down, I bet a lot of people would thoroughly enjoy it

[@BethWade]

I made ink sample advent calendars for friends this year, using Goulet samples and they were a hit! And of course, buying the 8-pack random sample inks is like a one-shot advent calendar.

[@quailypoes]

@@BethWade Aw that is awesome of you! That must have been a lot of fun to put together, and extra fun for people to receive!

[@ameliabuns4058]

Great idea even tho I can't buy anything in Iran. Maybe I'll get one if I escape

[@ameliabuns4058]

@@BethWade aww your friends are lucky

[@erikalise2256]

Thay would be so cool!

[@nicolethompson3782]

I wish you guys would come out with a random ink sample advent calendar for the next holiday season.

[@notconvincedgranny6573]

Yes! So randomized that not all customers receive the exact same combo of samples.

[@ParadigmUnkn0wn]

@@notconvincedgranny6573 I actually kind of like the idea of a standardized set of 25 ink samples that way the online community can experience them together. Kind of like remote coffee tasting events where each participant gets the same exact coffees and do a blind taste test of them together on a virtual meeting. As for inks, imagine being able to call up your friend that also got the inkvent calendar (maybe you even gifted it) and chatting with one another about that day's ink color. Shared experiences like that drive more communication and create a sense of togetherness, something the world certainly needs more of these days. If every one is random, then you may as well just buy a few packs of their usual random samples. I understand that a curated and standardized set of samples would be more expensive than all-random, but that's ok, it's more about the shared experience with the community and friends than just getting 24 or 25 new random ink samples.

[@decimachuu]

Super happy to see Diamine Writer's Blood top the list! I bought my first two Diamine inks in 2021, and they were Aurora Borealis and Writer's Blood (unfortunately they didn't have Earl Grey in stock to complete the three Diamine Reddit inks). Absolutely fell in love with Writer's Blood.

[@cheryldueck318]

Aurora Borealis is my #1 favourite ink! Writer’s Blood looks very cool too.

[@engicitita]

Writer's blood is beautiful.

[@Cj12sings]

Pretty incredible stuff. When I was writing with fountain pens several years ago, I thought it was an obscure dying art...it is Amazing what you have accomplished " unification of art and life" congratulations on your success and promoting a fantastic tool for expressing art, and ultimately works of art themselves...needless to say I be ordering soon....

[@florencefortyseven]

When Michael Jecks reviewed Diamine Writer's Blood, he said he could see bits of gold, and that threw me off because I thought it was a shimmering ink. He must have meant bits of gold SHEEN! ⭐.

[@Steve.M]

Writer’s Blood is a lovely ink and worthy of the top spot. I hope it’s OK to mention them here, as I believe they’re exclusive to a UK retailer, but I have really enjoyed using Diamine’s ‘Deep Dark’ series this year. Deep Dark Brown and Deep Dark Green, in particular. Happy New Year all!

[@1Bibliotech]

I had to listen twice before I could figure out that Frog-Proof ink was actually FRAUD-proof ink! I was confused by Goulet was anti-amphibian!

[@alanpareis734]

What a delight to start New Year’s Eve morning -which also happens to be my 79th Birthday- with the top 5 Hottest inks and Brian’s continued creativity for long winded intros accompanied by Drew’s mugging. Thank’s guys and May 2022 be a Great Year for both of you and your families and of course GP Co.. P.S. Hon. Mention. Em of Chivor Yes! Yesterday I took out a Ranga Ebonite bodied, 1970s Sheaffer steel inlayed B italic, gave it 20 sec gentle agitation, and signed with a short note, a belated Christmas card with E of C. Insane red sheen and loads of sparkle. -I am not sure when I last inked the pen, but I think last Christmas! A great ink.

[@jvelaz321]

Happy birthday to you

[@j.devore]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

[@quailypoes]

Happy birthday!

[@Gouletpens]

Happy Birthday, Alan! Thanks so much for being a part of our wonderful little fountain pen community! - Drew

[@pamdemonia]

Happy birthday! I got my first fountain pen (a twsbi eco) just for em. of chivor!

[@shbondful]

Normally I’m not partial to red, but the name alone dictated procurement of Writer’s Blood. I was surprised by how much I liked writing with it and how it looked on paper. I’m a big fan of Diamine on the whole, only ever had one ink from them disappoint, so the between the range and the affordability brand has slowly come to be most of my ink collection.

[@archivist17]

Yay Drew! Yay Brian! Yay ink!

[@Gouletpens]

Yay! Happy New Year! - Drew

[@mollyrobbins1515]

Love, love, love my 2021 Diamine Inkvent calendar - there were so many wonderful colors that I would never have tried otherwise.

[@marachristian8726]

LOL, I don't buy a lot of bottled inks, but must admit I had to buy the Writer's Blood just because of the name, which made me laugh! I do the same thing when I buy wine. If it has a label or name that makes me laugh, I buy it!

[@BethWade]

Another very fun list and vid- thanks! I really hope Diamine releases some of those Inkvent calendar colors- they look gorgeous!

[@Gouletpens]

I'm sure it's a lot of work for them, but everyone definitely loves them! - Drew

[@bryanhaas4980]

I would like to see a video with the Goulet top 5's but also with the other retailer top 5's. Maybe have a Collab with other retailers.

[@jamesaritchie1]

I'm not at all crazy about Writer's Blood, but with a name like that it has to be a success. Best name for an ink ever. My choice for ink of the year? I'm waiting for Baystate Blue to have a love child with Organic Studio Nitrogen.

[@bikkies]

I like writer's blood, but even better (to my eyes) must be Monboddo's Hat or Scribble Purple. They have such a solid punch. Season's inky fingered greetings from the UK.

[@fyeahgabs]

I voted on Writer’s Blood! I wished it leaned more red but hopefully we’ll be able to get another ink to join the Reddit lineup!

[@PAScott-cj9pt]

Nice list. The "problem" with inks is that there are lots of really nice ones. My collection of them keeps growing....

[@Gouletpens]

Right!? How dare they! :). - Drew

[@She-wolf3636]

One of my goals for 2022, is to calm down on the ink buying lol

[@lois-annakaminski1381]

Thanks for the video guys! Honestly, that Diamine inkvent calendar got me through December. It gave me something to look forward to in the cold dark mornings - a new ink to play with while enjoying a coffee. And I'm glad that my two current favourite inks, Herbin's Emeraude de Chivor and Private Reserve's Pearlescent Violet-Silver, were in the Top 5 as well. Thank you for your amazing customer service, and have a very happy new year.

[@michaelmedlinger6399]

Love Writer‘s Blood! And Golden Beryl is the only shimmer ink I have found that consistently turns in a brilliant performance. Just great! Thanks for another insanely interesting and disturbingly captivating video. Happy New Year!

[@angelaking9619]

Great list. One thing about writer's blood was how wet the ink was. Like the blood of writers inescapably gushing onto the page 😉 But I feel like an honourable mention should go to duochrome inks, like Sailor Haha, 123, Troublemaker Milky Ocean etc. They were just so trendy!

[@lord_haven1114]

I appreciate you guys making timestamps for your videos. Especially the podcast ones. It’s the little things like that that make you such a great company. Small conveniences to make peoples experience just a little bit better.

[@allieeverest]

My idea for a Goulets DIY inkvent calendar. 3 sets of random ink samples (8 count) plus one random "surprise me!" Sample equals 25. That comes to $36 before tax. Much more affordable for most of us. Decorate it into a diy advent calendar for a friend or yourself :)

[@technoraptor7778]

YO GOULET PENS GUYS!!!! YOU CAN DO A FOUNTAIN PEN ADVENT CALLANDER..WITH ANYTHING THATS ALL THINGS FOUNTAIN PENS! like ink, nibs, paper, pen cases, pens, anything pen lovers love!! That hasn't been done yet!

[@crystalpiolyn]

I don't know if people realize that X-Feather Blue is actually sheen under bright lights. U guys should try... it's amazing! Wish Natahan could create lighter blue like kon-peki or De Atramentis Doc Cyan but in X-Feather version. Gosh...pls... someone tell Nathan...

[@catherinehubbard1167]

X-Feather Blue is one of my favorites. Dark and rich, it’s a satisfying color, it behaves well, and it’s even more waterproof than the X-Feather Black. I always have a couple of pens inked with it, including a pocket pen that’s always with me.

[@N1inSK]

I'm fairly new here, having found y'all just this year. But I was writing notes about your hottest inks IN one of the hottest inks(!) I have a bottle of J, Herbin's Emeraude de Chivor It was a Christmas gift from one of my sonds in 2020, And I just put it into a pen (a brand-new TWSBI Swipe) for the first time two days ago. It is indeed an amazing ink. That Pelikan Edelstein Golden Beryl looks wild. I wonder if my local purveyor of inks has any left?

[@SpinStar1956]

Brian: Actually, I’m looking for Red (preferably permanent) that is identical to your red shirt in this video! Could you recommend 1, 2 or 3 that I should look at. I like a red that leans slightly towards orange, Not Pink! Would appreciate if you could help me out…

[@CreatingCuteArt]

I got Brandy Dazzle from Diamine and it feels like the ink equivalent of high heels to me when I use it!!

[@melodyf2373]

That analogy alone has me Googling the colour! Well done!

[@dianarene8952]

Good coverage, Where is the 10 ten papers? All the showings on KZbin of Cosmo Air Light I would have thought you would be raving about it, and carrying the product

[@krys6461]

We still also write with the the milky gels! Sakura still holds rank and is my favorite brand, open stocked at my local small biz art supply shop. If we're talking unique pen love, the Sakura's ball point glue pen is pretty cool, too.

[@TheRacerRich]

It always bugs me that advent calendars start with Dec 1 when advent begins in November more often (always?)

[@bkstarkey]

Please start carrying twilight in the 80ml again. Please? 😬😁😎

[@justintefft]

I just picked up a bottle of Writer’s Blood yesterday then saw this video today. I’m feeling good about my pick. Great video.

[@dr.d723]

Great choices, guys. And thank you for doing this. But . . . I wish you had mentioned - since they are truly amazing inks - all of the incredible Sailor inks, and particularly the new States inks. Sailor inks - in all their forms are iconic, and should have gotten a nod at least.

[@Gouletpens]

We didn't carry the States ink, and this year there were no "hot" new releases that came through our store. Maybe next year! - Drew

[@laidman2007]

I bought a bottle of Private Reserve (brown/chocolate) a couple of years ago. Great color but it literally spoiled.😥

[@kimberlyhuffman3115]

Hi Drew - hopefully you will see this. My husband loved the McChangeables! He said it was "quite the nostalgia bomb!" and promptly went on Ebay and purchased the rest of the dino series. Could the robot McChangeables be far behind? ;-) Thanks again. Happy New Year!

[@Gouletpens]

WHOOOO!!! That's great news! He and I definitely have some things in common! Haha! - Drew

[@StopFear]

The only thing left to do is to pour these ink into our vaporizers and smoke them, right?

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

Pelikan ink of the year was too pale to be useful. It was a hard pass for me. Also not impressed with the new private reserve. I ordered many samples and they were all disappointing.

[@ghostyplans]

I’m still going through my Random Ink Sample Set I got last Christmas! But I have Oxblood inked up right now, and I’m in love, so I have to try Writer’s Blood!!! From the sample set, I’ve found my ALL-TIME FAVORITE ink Pilot Iroshizuku Kosumoso (HAD to get a bottle of that and it is my first ink bottle!), among others like Apache Sunset, Oxblood, Document Brown (a major surprise-I didn’t think I’d like brown ink!), and Kon-Peki! Once I’m done using all the samples, I’m gonna get another set of randoms and keep the cycle going.

[@Gregwisconsin]

Hey fellows, Happy New Year! Why does Noodler’s X-Feather blue look purple?

[@nancymcnee2707]

How could we not want all these inks! I've made a list and will try to figure out what to snag first! Thanks for the fun list - Although Brian stretching out #1 was cruel!

[@P90Camper]

Diamine Majestic Blue > OS Nitrogen.

[@ichirofakename]

1. Fun video, thanks. 2. Though a tiny collection, Noodler's does have Bernanke inks which are fast-drying. As you know. 3. 2021 was the year I got into iron gall, specifically the Platinum Classics. I love them for some reason. 4. 2022? Gotta get me some Haha.

[@quailypoes]

Cool! What do you like most about iron gall inks? I've yet to try any but am intrigued

[@ichirofakename]

@@quailypoes They darken as they draw and are fade-resistant.

[@anttarysssssss]

Help me guys... I need you to restart the sales to Brazil 😭😭😭

[@kellylu9783]

I love how within 1 minute of the show drew already made so many facial expressions. and the cat sweater is something I kinda need for christmas

[@Ulitemyfyre]

I jumped on Writer's Blood immediately when it came out. I use it all the time.

[@ann-ingridhelik3056]

Love this video! Iagree with the other comments on making your own inkvent with samples. I was too late to get my diamine inkvent this year, but on the other hand did buy myself the writers blood bottle!

[@dyloak6450]

ya'll look so happy when together it is so heartwarming.

[@gillinacook1477]

I like to draw using inks and fountain pens. The diamine ink, is it lightfast?

[@susancarr3673]

Thank you for the videos this year!

[@Gouletpens]

Thank you for joining us, Susan! We appreciate the support throughout the year! - Drew

[@BlushnBlue]

Now I want to try the Organics Studio Nitrogen. Thank you for the fun videos!

[@ichirofakename]

Get a sample before committing to a bottle. I was quite disappointed with mine and crossed it off the list. Actually now I'm buying samples before bottles always.

[@quailypoes]

It's super pretty!

[@BlushnBlue]

@@ichirofakename Thank you for the tip!

[@pbsnoosk13]

I was so happy to see there was a new video!!! Thank you so much! Happy New Year!!!!!

[@Gouletpens]

Happy new year!! - Drew

[@Peidfl]

How do you keep track of what inks are in your many pens?

[@sethcunningham2138]

Fast drying inks: Noodler's Bernanke series, made specifically for left-handed writers, dries in about 2 seconds on paper.

[@itstime5390]

Which oddly if memory serves me well #5 on the list. Ummmm.....

[@lexbrunov]

Couldn't be more true about the samples! I got a random pack as a birthday freebie. Got myself a demo pen with it, thought I'd test them all slowly and calmly... Nope. Now I have like twenty favorite inks and I know there's more waiting for me 😂

[@Gouletpens]

It's ok to have a bunch of favorites! - Drew

[@yigalgabriel5840]

Which ink can be used on black paper

[@jmccarty3]

Some may remember that there was no official Dallas Pen Show in 2020. Larry Dromgoole leapt into the breach and put on a smaller show in the usual venue. He always has a "show ink" that is given out in 1 oz bottles, and that year, it was none other than the Churchill's Anti-Fascist Blue (the real, if politically incorrect, name of your #5 choice). The honor of being #5 is well-deserved. It's hard to imagine a better-behaved ink for general business use, and the price is right. You are correct that people had been wishing for a dark blue professional ink like this for years, the closest competition being Montblanc Permanent Blue, but that ink tended to clog up some pens, and was much more expensive. I am very pleased that the Noodler's has been such a success.

[@ichirofakename]

Isn't "anti-fascism" politically CORRECT? Who cares, Nathan has fun with his labels and we get to use his great & cheap inks.

[@Gouletpens]

The name of that ink takes several forms, but we use the name that is listed on our official ordering documents provided by Noodler's distributor. Calling it something else would be confusing for re-ordering so we just go with the name we're provided with. - Drew

[@ameliabuns4058]

Emerald of chivor sadly never dries and always smudges so easily :s wish all inks were smudge and waterproof

[@pen_journal]

A bit surprised on Writers' Blood... But Diamine always have one of the best range of red inks IMHO. Great series!

[@Brozi]

I have a question for your q&a series. Could you recommend an ink, that doesnt spread when writing and has resonable dry time? Im currently using lamy black, and it makes my parker sonnet F nib look like medium or even bold. Thanks ;)

[@RajivChopra]

Do you ship to India?

[@GeorgeENorkus]

Interesting. Your #1 choice Diamine "Writer's Blood" sure looks similar to Noodler's "Black Swan in Australian Rose". Can you tell me the difference in technical terms? (Dries fast or not, is water repellant or not, easy to clean or not, etc.)

[@Darkestdarkify]

Settle a debate . Can you fake a “gold” nib? While we see all the time “gold nibs” for sale for under five bucks which is gold colored steel. Is it possible to get an imposter? I.e can you potentially be paying for a gold nib from less than reputable dealers/ brands and end up with something that somewhat replicates the gold nib feel etc while paying gold nib cost. I have heard that claim and I figured I would ask the experts. I would not think so considering I feel like companies would probably use that material instead of it would function just as well. Beyond brands that use gold for tradition/status.

[@florencefortyseven]

The only problem with this list is that it's not a top ten. Inks are offended.

[@Gouletpens]

Sorry, inks. - Drew

[@rsbersagel717]

Need a few green inks -- nothing too crazy not too Kelly green -- perhaps a bit vintage in feel so good for work & for drawing. Speaking of drawing inks, how about a list / sample set of inks with colours like dark earthy red of conte sticks like in old masters sketches; a purple grey for adding shadows or distant mountain peaks; olive green for nature drawing but not a too dark colour not too wimpy that can't be read; stormy night blue for distant objects plus bottom of heavy clouds; lavender showing signs of spring; fresh egg yolk golden yellow verging to orange goo for many sunny accents in drawing; a lovely heritage rose pink shading to warm red-orange; bright clear sky blue doubles for water with a dash of green; let's not forget a couple brown inks (nudge nudge) one leaning more reddish or orangish and at least one more cool in the grey taupe range? It would be great to have some permanent inks or at least water resistant for sketching on the go. Good shading inks can add nice complexity if not extreme (think good elegant corporate signature inks). I like noodler's army air corps ink a blue-black with good green too so when I draw then it dries a bit before I might add a touch of water color so the water brings out the ink colors .... Really nice accident in art! The pilot irosh AsaGao ink on a bit of wet paper makes lovely clouds! It's great having fountain pens filled with great inks that add lovely effects when sketching breaks out! Plus having a platinum student pen in XF or platinums long tail Carbon ink cartridge pen is just the ticket to add the permanent black line form as needed. Platinum carbon ink in black is wonderful for art-- wish platinum permanent came in similar light sepia, a red iron oxide, deep yellowy briwnish ochre, and a purpley slate grey! Wow! That would be so perfect for regular pens & then not need buying higgens or other art inks for sketching! Lovely little ink bottles like the carbon ink would be divine!

[@sharonbowman7049]

Thanks so much for the video (well, all of your videos!). I appreciate the nuggets of new knowledge. However, I do have to comment that Private Reserve was not "dormant" for a significant period of time. Decreased productivity, perhaps, but not exactly dormant. I'm in Indiana, and knew all three owners before Yafa took on the brand.

[@Tomatohater64]

There are sooooooo many great inks out there but if I only had one ink to choose from to use on a daily basis, I would pick either Noodler's 54th Massachusetts or Lexington Gray. I lean towards 54th Mass because to me, it has a 1920s, 30s, 40s, and 50s vintage vibe and would be appropriate in almost any circumstance.

[@tedscheckler1]

Curious if the new PR fast dry inks have been reformulated. I had a bottle of Fast Dry Midnight Blues that you could literally watch drip from the nib of my Safari. But I was glad to see the brand come back. They had some great colors. Had a lot of Lake Placid blue, Spearmint, and Dakota Red go through my pens. I got a bottle of the new Plum from your recent Yafa promo and it has been stellar.

[@pat999x]

I don't care for shimmering inks. I write pretty small, so I use the finest nib available. That means that sheening doesn't mean much to me. Instead, I look for interesting colors. Writer's Blood is certainly an interesting color.

[@vivekvs1992]

I would love to get the herbin sets but the pricing is just all over the place.. Same thing with diamine ink vent.. The main selling point for diamine is that you can get 30ml bottles of their colors in sacks vs 2 or 3 of say a colorverse or sailor ink..

[@normaeunicechavarria4101]

I hope Diamine bring out large bottles of their new inkvert calender. Because I've got my money saved for some of those inks!!!

[@tootsfour956]

I am so glad you did this video. I see two I will pick up. Happy New Year and many BLESSINGS in 2022!

[@miawhuifoo6672]

Really enjoy this video sharing, light hearted and fun. The pens you selected were beautiful, i have 2 of them; pilot 823 and twsbi alum

[@dianewalker9154]

Diamine Writers Blood is the bomb! I always have a pen inked with Oxblood and another one with Writers Blood.

[@jen7662]

Private Reserve Avocado is in my top 5 inks. It’s so saturated and has this matte finish that reminds me of graphic poster paints. Such a cool ink!!

[@bachatera25]

I wish your ink samples were a bit more generous. I had a sample that I filled a new pen with and it ended up leaking due to a cracked housing. Needless to say, there wasn’t much left to fill another pen.

[@kaydenwright]

I love getting random ink samples! I don’t think I would ever have bought a brown ink, but my first random sample was a really lovely brown and now I love them.

[@giulianacarnevale6062]

Your sweaters are epic!! Thanks for the info… I’m new at this so much appreciated!!

[@lisaleone2296]

I am so upset that I didn't get the Diamine inkvent calendar.

[@theresa_lili]

It is available to purchase else where.

[@melodyf2373]

I'm doing mine in January as I had a sticker advent calendar and some travel in December. Still fun!

[@sistergoldenhair0727]

Diamine writers blood is a legit awesome color! I always have it inked!

[@julierak343]

I loved the Inkvent calendar. Thanks guys for a fun video!

[@daveg686]

👍

[@heyokasd]

Well, shoot, now I want to try out Writer's Blood! 😂

[@bhumiboladulyadejshakya3507]

I only have Emerald Dr Chivor from the list :v

[@theresa_lili]

Anything Purple or Brown works for me!!!

[@sharkt96]

A great selection of inks writers blood is definitely at the top of my wishlist

[@gregorydeleine9415]

That’s epic i bought Writer’s blood this week (together with apache sunset) Did not expect it to be the nr 1. Means i got taste! Hahah just kidding, or am i?..

[@Gouletpens]

Those are two FANTASTIC choices! Well done! - Drew

[@beautybug1831]

Great choice of inks, guys! However, I'm quite disappointed that none of your beautiful BROWN inks didn't made the cut... 🤔💔 Nonetheless, Diamine ink, WRITER'S BLOOD def was a great compensation 😄... Wishing you all - Brian & Drew, and all of the amazing team at Goulet, a V-E-R-Y Happy New Year!

[@Gouletpens]

Hahaha! Happy New Year to you too! - Drew

[@rwmack3523]

I've been on that writer's blood hype-train. Amazing color. However, the private reserve pearlescent now has my attention with that description.

[@lois-annakaminski1381]

The Private Reserve pearlescent violet-silver is absolutely stunning. It's kind of like... moonlight on periwinkles.

[@abkdt41]

Do you guys sell "All the best" on its own?

[@tompov227]

I love these videos for how fun they are and I love the fountain pen community but it's kind of sad how many disclaimers they have to put in it. Like I totally get it because the internet is bad sometimes but I just wish people would imagine that most people are acting in good faith and like not mentioning the horrible state of the world, or just making a top 10 list is not like a big deal. It's actually a necessary thing to do sometimes and its sad that people are always looking for a reason to attack a really nice business and an honest attempt to just do a nice and entertaining thing for people

[@Gouletpens]

Honestly, we probably didn't have to put as many disclaimers in there. The community here is so wonderful and we never have any issues with the negativity and aggressive comments that seem to be so prevalent across social media. We really do have a wonderful group here! - Drew

[@witchyvicar]

Yay!! One of my big favs is #1!!! :)

[@pamdemonia]

Gotta get some of that writers blood!

[@marilynburke7609]

Enjoying my new pens and inks. Looks like I’ll be trying some other new colors. Thanks for the videos. 😊❤️

[@Gouletpens]

Thanks for joining us, Marilyn! - Drew

[@bernardmaclennan]

Are the fast drying inks from private reserve any good? Could you make an updated video on fast drying inks?

[@Gouletpens]

They are indeed good! We're already planning a fast-dry video feature for next month. Thank you! - Drew

[@bernardmaclennan]

@@Gouletpens Cool! I'm trying to convert my friend to fountain pens, but he's left handed and always says that the ink would just smear across the page. So I was just wondering if fast drying inks could be a good solution. Thanks!

[@souleles1]

love ,.... this

[@Javi_C]

😊

[@johnsomers8269]

Drew, no brown ink?

[@Gouletpens]

Hahaha! Not this year! - Drew

[@avgjoeshow4208]

We absolutely loved the inkvent calendars. Can’t wait to buy next years!! Will have to try the x feather too. Noodlers is one of my favorite brands of ink