A Review of Bengal Writing Instruments’ Coffee Ink

A Sip of Sophistication - Wake Up and Smell the Ink: A Review of Bengal Writing Instruments’ Coffee Ink 

If you’ve ever wanted your handwritten notes to look like they were drafted in a cozy 19th-century patisserie, Bengal Writing Instruments has bottled that exact mood. This "Coffee Ink" isn't just a fluid; it’s a warm hug for your stationery. 

Based on the lovely sample provided , it seems BWI hasn't just captured the color of coffee, but the very essence of a morning brew. This isn't just an ink; it's a multi-sensory experience bottled up for your fountain pen. 

The Visual Palette

The first thing you notice is the 'shading'. Much like a perfectly pulled espresso, this ink offers a beautiful range of tones. In the delicate loops of the calligraphic-style writing shown, the ink transitions effortlessly from a pale, creamy latte tan to a deep, robust roasted-bean brown. Visually, this ink is stunning. Looking at the text you can see the ink's incredible 'shading' properties. It behaves exactly like a good espresso shot. 

• Consistency: The flow appears exceptionally smooth, handling the flex of a nib without breaking or feathering—even on what looks like standard lined paper.

• The Crema: The lighter strokes reveal a golden, caramel-like amber transparency.

• The Body: The downstrokes pool into a rich, dark-chocolate brown that provides excellent contrast against the page.

• The Definition: Despite the richness, the edges are crisp. Notice the sharp loops in the words—there's zero feathering, just clean, defined elegance.

• The Olfactory Bonus:  I'd also love to mention that, "It... smells great." This is the game-changer. Most inks smell like chemicals; this one apparently smells like comfort. Writing with this ink adds a "scratch-and-sniff" element of class. It transforms the mundane task of writing into a cozy ritual. (Disclaimer: Despite how good it smells, please do not drink the ink. It is for pens, not mugs.)

• Performance & Personality: The ink flows with a lovable fluidity. It seems wet enough to allow the nib to glide and create those beautiful thick-and-thin variations, yet dry enough to stay put where you want it. It feels honest and grounded—a sober color for professional documents, but with enough warmth to be cute and personal for a diary entry. 

It strikes that "goldilocks" balance—dark enough to be professional and legible, but warm enough to feel personal and artisanal. 

Character and Wit

Writing with this ink is always fittingly sober, yet the ink itself adds a layer of "lovable" charm. There is something inherently honest about a brown ink; it doesn't have the cold formality of black or the loud urgency of red. It’s the ink of a person who enjoys a rainy afternoon and a well-balanced checkbook.

The written text proves that itself. Writing such profound wisdom in Coffee Ink makes the text feel less like a lecture and more like a gentle suggestion from a wise, caffeinated friend. 

Why It’s a "Brew-tiful" Choice 

• Professionalism with a Wink: Safe for the office, but distinctive enough to spark a conversation. 

• Soothing Aesthetics: It’s easy on the eyes, making long-form journaling a visual treat.

• The "Cute" Factor: Let’s be real—matching your ink to your morning beverage is peak stationery goals. 

The Nib Test

To get that beautiful "crema-to-espresso" gradient, you need a nib that puts down enough ink to let the color pool and settle. Here are the best tools to make this Coffee Ink shine: 

The 1.1mm Stub Nib (The "Calligraphy Cheat Code")

If you want your handwriting to look fancy without learning complex techniques, this is your best friend.

• Why it works: It’s flat like a carpenter's pencil. It naturally creates thick downstrokes and thin cross-strokes.

• The Effect: The ink pools at the bottom of the thick strokes, creating a deep brown that fades into a lighter tan at the top. It makes the ink look like it has "texture." 

The Flex Nib (The "Artist's Choice")

This nib is used for the beautiful swirly scripts. 

• Why it works: The tines spread apart when you press down, dumping a generous amount of ink onto the page.

• The Effect: You get the most dramatic shading possible. The thin hairlines will be a whisper of latte color, while the swelled downstrokes will be a rich, dark roast. It requires a bit of practice, but the results are stunning. 

The Broad Nib (B, BB, BBB) (The "Smooth Operator")

If you just want a smooth, everyday writing experience that still shows off the color. 

• Why it works: It has a large, round tipping material that glides over paper like butter on toast.

• The Effect: It lays down a wet, consistent line. Because it’s wet, the ink takes longer to dry, giving it time to pool and create that 3D-like shading effect.

A Glass Dip Pen (The "Sampler") 

• Why it works: Glass pens have grooves that hold a lot of ink and release it quickly.

• The Effect: They usually write very "wet," which guarantees maximum color saturation and shading. Plus, they are incredibly easy to clean if you want to switch flavors... I mean, colors.

A Gentle Warning: 

I would avoid Fine (EEF, EF) nibs for this specific ink. They are often too precise and "dry" to let the shading come out to play, making the coffee look a bit like... well, watered-down tea. 

Cost Factor

BWI Coffee ink scores exceptionally high on the affordability scale, making it one of the most pocket-friendly choices for Indian fountain pen enthusiasts. Despite the low cost, the ink often punches above its weight in terms of color saturation and flow, offering a boutique-style color (a rich, shading brown) at a student-friendly price. It is an excellent "bang for your buck" ink, ideal for students and professionals who want to move beyond standard Blue/Black without breaking the bank. 

The Verdict

Bengal Writing Instruments has created a staple for any fountain pen enthusiast. It is accurate in its color representation, reliable in its performance, and adds a touch of "sober" elegance to every stroke. It’s an ink that respects your paper and loves your pen. This ink is a total winner. It is professional enough for a CEO, cute enough for a love letter, notes to friends, morning journaling, and making your to-do list smell better than your actual coffee and tasty-looking enough to make you crave a cappuccino. 

Final Grade

I'd keep this beautiful excellent smelling wonderful ink in A+ category.