3 Oysters - Zinfandel
3 Oysters Zinfandel Ink drop
So far, I really like the 20-ink “Basic” series 3 Oysters released in the summer of 2025. This is the 2nd of two that I bought, and I’ve already decided to pick out a couple more very interesting colors. Zinfandel caught my eye, and I haven’t been disappointed. I’ve been using it as one of my work inks, but it’s also interesting for more creative fun.
3 Oysters Zinfandel fountain pen ink swatches
As you can see from the swatches, there’s a lot of complexity in the base color. From paper to paper, different hues and tones stand out based on the type and brand of paper you use. Deep purples can become deep reds, but each result brings a nice glass of wine to mind. It’s flat matte on some, and more nuanced and smokier on others. I love the electric arc of sheen on the Iroful swatch, but I didn’t find any sheening in writing.
3 Oysters Zinfandel fountain pen ink swatches
Feel and flow are very comfortable and natural in both of the inks that I’ve tried from this series. Zinfandel is a fairly wet ink in flow. As you can see in the longer writing sample, there is no problems with feathering or spreading. I’ve also found that it’s a nice ink on cheaper office copy paper, so it’s a very usable ink. I rarely use standard black inks for work, and I’m always happy to have another interesting and reliable choice.
3 Oysters Zinfandel fountain pen ink writing sample
Keep your eye out for this latest (as of winter, 2025) series from 3 Oysters. The 30 ml bottles are minimalist in design. As you can see, although they are thin, tall, they have a nice wide opening for easy use with piston-fillers (unlike Diamine’s 30 ml bottles). They are also priced amazing well. Although the recommended price is US$4.75 (already a true bargain), they actually retail for only US$3.75! From what I have heard, this is only the beginning for this series, as well. I can’t think of a single reason not to explore this series a bit, and I highly recommend that you do!
3 Oysters Zinfandel Fountain Pen Ink Swatch Card
3 Oysters Zinfandel Fountain Pen Ink Card Comparisons
3 Oysters Zinfandel Fountain Pen Ink 30 ml Bottle