Best Bottled Ink of 2025

Jordan Akhtar Avatar
Jordan Akhtar
Last Updated: 7 Feb 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Bottled Ink is a high-quality writing accessory that is perfect for those who prefer traditional writing methods. It is a collection of ink bottles that come in a range of colours and sizes to suit different writing needs. These bottled inks are made using premium quality ingredients that are safe for use with fountain pens and quills. They offer a smooth and consistent flow of ink that enhances the writing experience. Bottled Ink is an excellent choice for those who want to add a touch of elegance to their writing and is highly recommended for anyone who loves to write.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Waterman Intense Black Fountain Pen Ink Cover #TOP 1
Waterman Intense Black Fountain Pen Ink
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Dryden Designs Luxury Blue-Black Ink Bottle Cover #TOP 2
Dryden Designs Luxury Blue-Black Ink Bottle
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Stephens 28ml Black Calligraphy Ink Bottle Cover #TOP 3
Stephens 28ml Black Calligraphy Ink Bottle
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Bottled Ink

#TOP 1

Waterman Intense Black Fountain Pen Ink

S0110710
Intense black
50 ml
Waterman Intense Black Fountain Pen Ink Cover
Waterman Fountain Pen Ink | Intense Black | 50ml Bottle

The Waterman Intense Black Ink offers a classic shade that has been the preferred choice for generations. Its liquid ink creates bold, intense lines, allowing you to leave a lasting impression with your writing. Designed with a high-quality formula, this ink ensures superior performance and writing comfort, making it an excellent choice for long writing sessions. Packaged in a faceted 50ml glass bottle with a screw-top closure, it provides convenience and ease of use, perfect for both everyday writers and those who appreciate finer writing instruments.

What We Like
Classic intense black shade
Superior writing performance
Convenient screw-top bottle
Compatible with all Waterman pens
#TOP 2

Dryden Designs Luxury Blue-Black Ink Bottle

Dryden Designs Luxury Blue-Black Ink Bottle Cover
Dryden Designs Fountain Pen Ink Bottle Luxury Edition - Blue-Black - Fountain Pen Bottled Ink Compact Designed Smooth flow 50ml

The Dryden Designs Ink offers a remarkable writing experience with its quick-drying formula, ensuring your handwriting looks vivid and stylish. This luxurious ink is perfect for elevating your personal belongings, whether at home, in the office, or at school. The elegant bottle design makes it easy to store or carry without the worry of spills, thanks to its wide opening. With this ink, you can impress those around you and enjoy comfortable writing for all your needs.

What We Like
Quick-drying for neat handwriting
Elegant bottle design
Perfect for various settings
Stylish and vivid ink
Comfortable writing experience
#TOP 3

Stephens 28ml Black Calligraphy Ink Bottle

RS420218
28 ml
Stephens 28ml Black Calligraphy Ink Bottle Cover
Stephens RS420218 28 ml Calligraphy Colour Bottle - Black

The Stephens Black Calligraphy Ink is a 28ml bottle of high-quality black ink, ideal for use with dip pens, brushes, and fountain pens. This ink dries to a waterproof finish, ensuring that your work remains intact, even when exposed to moisture. Its lightfast properties mean that your creations will resist fading over time, preserving the beauty of your calligraphy. Whether you're working on intricate designs or simple notes, this ink offers versatility and reliability for all your writing and artistic needs.

What We Like
Waterproof when dry
Lightfast for lasting results
Compatible with various writing tools
High-quality black ink
#TOP 4

Winsor & Newton Black Calligraphy Ink 30 ml

1111030
Black
30 ml
Winsor & Newton Black Calligraphy Ink 30 ml Cover
Winsor & Newton Calligraphy Ink Bottle, 30 ml - Black , 1111030

The Winsor & Newton Calligraphy Ink offers a range of benefits for artists. Its non-fading properties ensure your work remains vibrant over time. With single pigment shades, you can easily mix colours to create unique hues tailored to your projects. Whether you prefer using fountain pens or calligraphy nibs, the versatile blue cap colours enhance your writing experience. Additionally, the opaque special colours are perfect for bold applications with brushes or nibs, allowing for an expressive touch in your artwork.

What We Like
Non-fading, long-lasting colours
Single pigment for easy mixing
Versatile for various tools
Opaque options for bold effects
#TOP 5

Liquidraw Fountain Pen Ink Set of 10

FPI-10
Liquidraw Fountain Pen Ink Set of 10 Cover
Liquidraw Bottle Ink Set of 10 Assorted Colors, 35ml (Blue, Red, Black)

The Liquidraw Ink Set offers a delightful selection of ten assorted colours, perfect for enhancing your writing experience. Each 35ml bottle is filled with vibrant ink that can bring your notes and artwork to life. With a variety of bright shades, you can easily find the perfect colour to express your creativity. Additionally, a colour chart is included, helping you to select and organise your inks with ease, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable writing process.

What We Like
Vibrant assortment of colours
Convenient 35ml bottle size
Includes colour chart
Enhances writing experience
#TOP 6

Liquidraw 10 Assorted Fountain Pen Inks

FPI35
Black
35 ml
Liquidraw 10 Assorted Fountain Pen Inks Cover
Liquidraw Fountain Pen Ink Bottles 10 Assorted Colours 35ml Inks Suitable for Calligraphy Ink Dip Pen Ink Available Black, Blue, Red, Green, Brown, Violet Purple, Yellow Etc (Black)

The Liquidraw Fountain Pen Inks offer an assortment of 10 vibrant colours, perfect for adding flair to your writing or calligraphy. Each 35ml bottle contains specially formulated dye-based ink with high viscosity, ensuring smooth flow and rich colour on the page. The inclusion of a colour chart helps you quickly identify the right shade for your project. Additionally, these inks are compatible with ink converters, allowing for easy refilling and less waste. You'll find that these inks elevate your writing experience with their convenience and versatility.

What We Like
Variety of 10 colours
High viscosity for smooth flow
35ml bottle size
Compatible with ink converters
Includes a colour chart
#TOP 7

Diamine 30ml Fountain Pen Ink - 3 Pack

273307217PAC3
3 Count (Pack of 1)
Diamine 30ml Fountain Pen Ink - 3 Pack Cover
Diamine - 30ml Fountain Pen Ink - 3 Pack - Oxblood & Imperial Purple & Aurora Borealis

The Diamine Fountain Pen Ink Pack includes three 30ml bottles of vibrant ink, perfect for enhancing your writing experience. This fast-drying ink flows smoothly, ensuring that your words glide effortlessly across the page. Being water-based and non-toxic, it offers a safe option for users of all ages. Made from natural dyes, it is suitable for all brands of fountain pens, making it an excellent choice for both everyday writing and calligraphy practice.

What We Like
Fast drying for quick use
Smooth flow for easy writing
Water-based and non-toxic
Compatible with all fountain pens
Great for calligraphy starters
#TOP 8

Diamine Writer's Blood 80ml Fountain Ink

Diamine Writer's Blood 80ml Fountain Ink Cover
Diamine 80ml Bottled Ink - Special Edition - Writer's Blood

The Diamine Writer's Blood Ink is a high-quality writing ink designed specifically for fountain pens. Housed in an elegant 80ml glass bottle, it ensures a smooth flow that enhances your writing experience. You will appreciate its fast-drying properties, which prevent smudging and allow for quick note-taking. Being water-based, non-toxic, and pH neutral, this ink is safe for all users. Additionally, it is made from natural dyes, making it an excellent choice for those interested in calligraphy or seeking a reliable starter ink.

What We Like
Fast drying time
Smooth flow for writing
Water-based and non-toxic
Suitable for all fountain pens
Made from natural dyes
#TOP 9

Pelikan 4001 Fountain Pen Ink 30ml

301010
Royal Blue
138 ml
Pelikan 4001 Fountain Pen Ink 30ml Cover
Pelikan Fountain Pen Ink 4001

The Pelikan 4001 Ink is presented in a convenient 30 ml glass bottle, perfect for your fountain pens and various other pen types that utilise a cartridge system or piston mechanism. Being made in Germany, this ink ensures quality and reliability. You will appreciate its compatibility with converters, allowing for easy refilling and use. This versatility means you can enjoy a smooth writing experience across different writing instruments.

What We Like
High-quality German ink
Compatible with various pen systems
Convenient 30 ml glass bottle
Easy refilling with converters
#TOP 10

Jacques Herbin Garnet Red Writing Ink

11529T
Garnet Red
10 ml
Jacques Herbin Garnet Red Writing Ink Cover
Jacques Herbin - Ref 11529T - Writing Ink for Fountain Pens & Rollerball Pens - Rouge Grenat / Garnet Red - 10ml Bottle - No Packaging, Zero Waste Objective - Red-Coloured Ink

The Jacques Herbin Writing Ink is a high-quality ink that delivers a rich and vibrant "Garnet Red" colour, perfect for those who appreciate beautiful writing. You will enjoy the exceptional texture, providing unparalleled writing quality to enhance your letters. This ink is also aquarellable, allowing you to create delicate colour gradients when diluted with water, making it ideal for artistic projects. Furthermore, it is finely filtered to ensure compatibility with a range of writing instruments, preventing any clogging issues and making it suitable for fountain pens and rollerball pens alike.

What We Like
Exceptional colour quality
Aquarellable for artistic use
Compatible with multiple pens
Made in France
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a bottle of ink called?

An inkwell is a small jar or container, often made of glass, porcelain, silver, brass, or pewter, used for holding ink in a place convenient for the person who is writing.

2. What is bottled ink made of?

In general, ink is a mixture of colour (though that colour is often black) and some sort of binder/carrier. It could be as simple as soot in water, or a complex mixture of pigments, dyes and all sorts of other ingredients. Ink as used in pens tends to be one of a few specific types.

3. What is the shelf life of bottled ink?

Based on anecdotal evidence, the shelf life of most fountain pen inks ranges anywhere from 10 - 60 years. Unopened bottles have a much longer shelf life than opened ones, but even opened bottles can be used dozens of years after opening, as long as they are not contaminated through unhygienic use.

Editor's Notes

During our bottled ink research, we found 102 bottled ink products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 221,463 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bottled ink list. We found that most customers choose bottled ink with an average price of £6.87.

The bottled ink are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bottled ink, including Waterman, Dryden Designs, Stephens, Winsor & Newton, Liquidraw.

Written by
Jordan Akhtar Avatar

Jordan Akthar owns one stationery store in Bradford, and another in Derby. He started with a corner bookshop, and now the rest is history. He is often found in his stores taking count of inventories of books and stationery. Jordan also likes to write, and this drove his passion for writing articles on stationery maintenance. He owns a blog, where in his free time, he would write DIY tips on how you can recycle and refine your stationeries.