INK REVIEW: Noodler’s Baystate Concord Grape

Posted on by

Noodler’s Baystate Concord Grape Ink Swab

Disclaimer: While I usually scan the sheets of paper for my ink reviews, these images are coming right out of my iPhone. That explains the inconsistencies in color and quality.

Second Disclaimer: I realize that this post flies in the face of what I said last week about putting up with some other things as long as the color and saturation are there. What can I say? I’m fickle.

If you’ve been in the fountain pen community for any length of time, you  have probably heard of Noodler’s Baystate Blue. Famous for it’s amazing color and it’s amazing ability to stain (or even ruin?) your most loved pens.

But Blue isn’t the only Baystate color from Noodler’s. There is Concord Grape and also Cranberry.

Today, we discuss Concord Grape.

No likeie.

The color is what I expected – very saturated, very purple. No complaints there.

But here’s the problem….

Baystate Concord Grape – Apica Paper Test
Noodler’s Baystate Concord Grape – Levenger Paper Test
Noodler’s Baystate Concord Grape – HP 32lb Paper Test

It’s the feathering. Click on the images to see the full-size or have a look at these screenshots from the original images.

If it was just one paper (especially the Levenger, which has been questionable with a number of inks), I could let it go. The color is so great that a problem here or there is ok with me, but this ink was a problem on almost every paper I used.

I was using a Pilot Metropolitan (medium nib). It’s a pen I’m very familiar with and have had no problems with in the past. After the ink sat in this pen for a day or so, the flow was terrible – I eventually had to open the pen and give the squeezie converter thing a little squeeze to get things flowing again.

With most of my ink reviews, I use the ink regularly for an entire week before posting. I was only a few days into the week before I realized that I wasn’t reaching for this ink at all. It was making a mess out of my work notebook (a Rhodia) with all of its ugly feathering.

Now, of course, your mileage may vary and I’m no expert in pens and inks (just love me some pretty colors and shiny things). If you’ve tried Baystate Concord Grape, I would love to hear about your experiences.

4,695 thoughts on “INK REVIEW: Noodler’s Baystate Concord Grape”

  1. This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks!

    Reply ↓

  8. Uitstekend blog! Online Plinko is spannend voor beginners en gevorderden. Dank voor de uitleg, het is leerzaam voor de community.
    Wij probeer zeker plinko app review .
    Het is top om goed geïnformeerd te worden over de app, vooral als je
    nieuw bent. Ik zou Plinko aanraden aan de community, omdat het leuk, eerlijk en spannend is.

    Reply ↓

  15. Good day I am so excited I found your webpage, I really found you by error, while I was browsing on Askjeeve for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a fantastic post and a all round thrilling blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all at the minute but I have bookmarked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the fantastic b.

    Reply ↓

  16. May I simply say what a comfort to discover someone who actually knows what they are talking about online. You actually realize how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people need to check this out and understand this side of the story. I was surprised that you’re not more popular since you certainly have the gift.

    Reply ↓

  24. Its such as you learn my mind! You appear to understand so much about this,
    like you wrote the e-book in it or something. I feel that you
    just could do with some % to pressure the message home a little bit, however instead of that,
    that is excellent blog. An excellent read. I’ll certainly be back.

    Reply ↓

  25. I blog often and I really appreciate your information. The article has truly peaked my interest. I will book mark your site and keep checking for new details about once per week. I subscribed to your Feed as well.
    byueuropaviagraonline

    Reply ↓

  27. hello there and thank you for your info – I’ve certainly picked up
    something new from right here. I did however expertise a few
    technical issues using this website, as I experienced to reload the web site many
    times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had
    been wondering if your web hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will very
    frequently affect your placement in google and can damage
    your quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
    Anyway I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and can look out
    for a lot more of your respective exciting content.
    Make sure you update this again soon.

    Reply ↓

  28. When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is
    added I get three e-mails with the same comment. Is there
    any way you can remove me from that service? Bless you!

    Reply ↓

  40. Greetings from Idaho! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to browse your blog on my iphone
    during lunch break. I enjoy the information you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home.

    I’m surprised at how fast your blog loaded on my phone ..
    I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, wonderful site!

    Reply ↓

  44. Have you ever considered publishing an e-book or guest authoring
    on other sites? I have a blog based upon on the same topics you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information.
    I know my visitors would value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free
    to shoot me an email.

    Reply ↓

  46. When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get
    three e-mails with the same comment. Is there any
    way you can remove people from that service?
    Many thanks!

    Reply ↓

  47. What i do not understood is in reality how you’re not really much
    more neatly-favored than you may be right now. You are very intelligent.
    You understand therefore significantly in terms of this subject,
    produced me in my opinion consider it from so many various angles.
    Its like men and women are not interested except it is something to do with Girl gaga!
    Your personal stuffs outstanding. At all times handle it up!

    Reply ↓

Leave a Reply to should I buy cat stroller Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *