Encre du Desert, Montblanc

Encre du Desert by Montblanc is part of the Antoine de Saint Exupéry (Petit Prince) series and a hommage to this aviation pioneer and writer. I didn't know what to expect from this ink but was pleasantly surprised. Labeled as "dark saffron" the ink is somewhere between brown and purple; depending on nib size and light.

I have used it for several days now, both in a work setting as for some personal communication and I think it's suited for both. Dark and distinctive enough for the office, warm and special enough for personal writings.

The ink is very well behaved and better lubricated than most Montblanc inks. No feathering and beautiful shading. Show-through is significant, even on decent paper (Tomoe River, Rhodia, Clairefontaine). Drying time is a bit longer than average, 50 seconds on Tomoe River paper, the paper used for the review below.
Water or fluids will ruin your writing.

Encre du Desert is a subdued, purple color that definitely leans towards brown in most nibs. I don't have an ink color that comes close. Poussiere de Lune (Herbin) is equally subdued, but more a true purple. Lavender Purple (Montblanc) is bright and purple, Diamine's Damson is subdued but leaning heavily towards blue.

Encre du Desert is a wonderful addition to my collection, a warm ink that I will definitely use more often!

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