Ink Flight #94 Reveal, November 2024

This month's Flight whisks you away to the City of Light courtesy of one of the oldest ink makers in the world. Jacques Herbin has a centuries-long tradition of producing world-class ink fit for royalty. "Les couleurs de Paris" honors the cultural landmarks of Paris with a collection of inspiring colors.

We've featured Jacques Herbin (or J. Herbin) previously in Ink Flights #4 April 2017, #20 September 2018, and #50 March 2021. So, it's been a while since we've fully explored a new range of inks from this storied manufacturer.

November 2024 Ink Flight Box #94 Color Selection

Jacques Herbin Tour Eiffel
This brownish, yellow ochre reflects the color of the famous Eiffel Tower as it was painted in the past.

Jacques Herbin Les Toits de Paris
In the 19th Century, Paris crafted a new grey-blue horizon, replacing most roofs with light, economical zinc.

Jacques Herbin Metropolitain
Designed by Art Nouveau artist Hector Guimard, the Metropolitain uses plant motifs, symbolized by the green of this ink.

Jacques Herbin Moulin Rouge
This bold, red ink draws inspiration from the iconic cabaret symbolizing French culture and entertainment.

Jacques Herbin Rue de la Verrerie
This deep blue ink honors the street where Jacques Herbin resided in 1810.

Jacques Herbin 1670 Anniversary Turquoise de Perse
Inspired by the precious stone, this blue-green ink shines with golden shimmer.

Jacques Herbin 350th Anniversary Vert Atlantide
A dark and intense lush green, this color dazzles with a silver veil and golden mist.

Tasting Notes:

When testing these inks, there was one particular color that stood out, not only for its richness and depth, but also for its difficulty in obtaining. Of course, when one talks about Paris, the Eiffel Tower is always in the conversation. Tour Eiffel, or Brun Eiffel as it is called in Europe, is the quintessential ink in this lineup. The Eiffel tower was never only just one color, as it gets a fresh coat of paint every 7 years or so. This warm, golden brown has plenty of shading. 

Tour Eiffel also happened to be sold out at the distributor. So, I had to resort to buying this ink from several retailers (at full list price) to get enough volume to make all the samples. I knew we couldn't send a flight of this Paris collection and not include what arguably is the best ink of the collection, right?

But, let's not forget about all the other colors in this flight, including the two Anniversary shimmer inks. Jacques Herbin releases one a year, dazzling the eye with a saturated ink sparkling with shimmer. Vert Atlantide is a muted blueish green-grey with plenty of razzle dazzle. Turquoise de Perse, 2024's Anniversary color, is a bold, bright blue that glistens gold.

As for the other colors, red and green seem like a natural pairing for the Holiday season, so I am using Moulin Rouge and Metropolitan in tandem to write my greetings. Les Toits de Paris has a wintery feel about this shading blue-grey. Last, but not least, Rue de la Verrerie is for the "blurple" lovers out there, with this color leaning more blu than rple.

November 2024 Box Extras: SUCK UK Ltd. Inkwell Desk Tidy & Mini Mail Foldable Notes

Organize your writing tools, ink samples, or other desk accessories with the massive Inkwell Desk Tidy. The oversized pen pot displays handsomely on your desk or writing area with its green-tinted soda glass. While you could potentially use the Inkwell as an actual inkwell (you would have to find a lid for it), it's far better to utilize its large volume for the bits and bobs on your desk.

One of these small items you may want to keep handy at your desk is the Mini Mail Foldable Notes. These tear-off memo notes fold into mini envelopes to send to your loved ones and friends. Share your messages in a fun and personal way using these fun, foldable memo notes. One pad includes 100 notes.

Although it wasn't intentional, artist Ryan McCulloch (@ryanmcc_art) designed the perfect sticker to accompany this month's box. The transparent vinyl sticker shows an octopus contained within an iconic ink bottle.

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