When I ordered Sheaffer's coffee scented brown ink I really couldn't imagine it. In fact, in my mind I was already leaning towards panning it due to the idea of adding what I would normally consider an appealing aroma to something that in use, is very much a utilitarian tool. Yes, depending on what I'm writing and how I feel as I am, the idea of ink being a utility I put to use is a realistic thing for me. But there's two sides to the coin because at other times when writing it's simply for fun and enjoyment and there's nothing utilitarian about it. So, where does the Sheaffer's ink come down? Well once my pen was inked-up with this warm and cozy-looking ink I could not put it into the utility category. No, not even a little. This is a warm looking and "delicious" brown, medium-to-light in saturation and hue. It's comfortable to see and read. It doesn't "feel" heavy on the page. It wouldn't have upset me if it was just a bit richer, but as this is how Sheaffer sees it, that's just fine with me. Now, as to the "coffee-scented" aspect of this ink, which honestly is what enticed me to try it: It does make one think of coffee. Not a rich dark roast or espresso type of beverage. In fact it almost contains what I would consider a "caramelly" or "molassesy" aspect to the aroma. Dropped into your coffee, of course! What really surprises me every time I de-cap my Cross to jot down a few things is the pleasant sensation I feel when I actually can smell that small bit of semi-sweet fragrance. Combine that with the light, appealing color of the ink and it makes the price I paid for it at Pens and Pencils not just a great deal, but a great value as well. This was my first ink from Sheaffer, and after this I'll be trying more of their wares before long!
