12 Days of Inkmas: Private Reserve Black Cherry

Inspired by Kenouni Renoshin‘s suggestion that I do more ink reviews, I give to you the first day of the 12 Days of Inkmas. Cheers!

Private Reserve Black Cherry Review

On the fourth day of Inkmas, Goulet Pens brought to me… Private Reserve Black Cherry! This is also another of the colors from the December Ink Drop in honor of Private Reserve founder Terry Johnson.

Private Reserve Black Cherry Writing Sample

I would best describe this ink as a red-black. It is not the least bit purple or pink that might make it feel more like a burgundy or bordeaux, wine color. In the water test, you can clearly see the red undertone. If anything, I might also describe the color as a brownish red.

Private Reserve Black Cherry Ink Swab

As with all the Private Reserve inks the flow is consistent. I’d compare the ink density more closely with Diamine than any other ink I’ve tested. I had no issues with dry time but since I was doing big swabs, and painting and adding water — those areas did take a bit longer to dry than the areas where I was just writing. Paper choices will also affect dry times.

Black Cherry ink comparisons

As soon as I put the Black Cherry ink to paper, I thought it reminded be of Noodler’s Black Swan in Australian Roses 3 oz/88ml ($12.50) though once compared, Black Swan has more of a purple undertone. De Atramentis Elderberries 35ml ($12.50) and Diamine Merlot 80ml ($12.75) were also similar (though its hard to tell from these photos to see any distinct differences). Overall, I really like P.R. Black Cherry. It reminds me more of a Cherry Cola. I quite like Noodler’s Black Swan in Australian Roses and De Atramentis Elderberries which are all subtly different from one another but all in the red-black family so it’ll be tough to choose which one to buy as a full bottle.

Goulet Pens Swab Shot Comparison Inks

I’ve added screen shots from the Goulet Pens Swab Shop as its a bit easier to see the color comparisons. Thanks to Goulet for making all these resources.

Private Reserve Black Cherry is sold in 50ml bottles for $8.80.


The samples above were written with a TWSBI Mini EF fountain pen in the Quo Vadis Habana bright white, blank notebook. Dry times will vary depending on paper stock. Comparison samples were written using a steel dip nib with a bit of flex which causes some of the more liquidy inks, like De Atramentis, to run a bit. They are included for color comparison. Best efforts were made to achieve color accuracy but the limitations of camera, lighting and individual monitor calibrations may alter the final look. For best results, order a sample of the ink color you like best and try it before you invest in a whole bottle.

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  1. What a gorgeous shade of red. Of course now I want all the inks from your swab tests, so go figure;) Thanks for sharing this review – I think you should continue with these:)

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