Uni Pure Malt Jetstream 4&1 Review: A Limited Edition Multi-Pen with a Whisky Barrel Grip

Introduction

Uni has a long history to draw on. The brand began in 1887 as a pencil manufacturer, succeeded in producing Japan’s first industrial pencil, and started exporting pencils worldwide in 1927. In 1952 the company was renamed Mitsubishi Pencil, and the Uni name now serves as its main brand logo. That legacy shows up in the newest limited-edition release: the Uni Pure Malt Jetstream 4&1 multi-pen, launched in limited quantities on September 27th at a price of 2,200 yen.

It comes in four matte, dried-flower-inspired shades: Eucalyptus, Old Rose, Autumn Hydrangea, and Dried Lavender. We picked up the Autumn Hydrangea version and have been using it as a daily writer. Here is what you get for your money.

Who This Product Is For

Despite the “4&1” in the name, this is effectively a five-function multi-pen: black, blue, red, and green 0.5 mm ballpoint pens plus a mechanical pencil. All tips are 0.5 mm, and the refills can be swapped for 0.7 mm ones if you prefer a bolder line. Anyone who wants one pen to handle note-taking, color coding, and quick sketching will feel at home here.

It also suits buyers who care about how a pen looks and feels as an object, not just how it writes. The limited-edition coloring and natural wood grip make it feel more like a considered desk accessory than a utilitarian tool.

Design and Build Quality

The design is where this pen earns its price. The barrel carries a matte, calm finish, with “Pure Malt” printed in white on the center and a glossy black ring right below it as the only glossy accent. The clip and knock cap share the same matte look, and the metal tip has a matte coating as well. The clip is on the softer side, which is worth knowing if you tend to clip and unclip your pen frequently.

The standout feature is the grip. True to the Pure Malt series, it uses oak wood carved from barrels that were once used to age whisky. The knock mechanism is a slide-knock type, so switching between functions is smooth and quick. The pen even includes an eraser under the cap, which is a small but genuinely practical touch on a multi-pen.

Writing Performance

The writing experience is the strongest argument for buying it. The Jetstream ink is famously smooth and skip-free, and this pen lives up to that reputation. There is a slight wobble at the tip, but it stays within an acceptable range and does not interfere with everyday writing.

The wood grip deserves its own mention here. It is not as grippy as rubber, but it is slip-resistant and lets you hold the pen firmly and stably. Unlike rubber grips, which tend to attract dust, wood stays cleaner and develops more character the longer you use it. The center of gravity sits low, and the balance is good, which contributes noticeably to overall writing comfort.

Things to Consider Before Buying

A few details are worth weighing before you order. The most recurring annoyance in day-to-day use is the clip, which can press against your hand while writing. Beyond that, there was little to fault. The limited-edition status also matters: these colors are released in limited quantities, so availability may vary depending on your region and timing.

If you prefer a perfectly matte finish, note that the glossy black ring stands out slightly against the otherwise calm design. It is a minor aesthetic choice, but some buyers may wish the ring had been matte as well.

Buying Advice

The Pure Malt Jetstream 4&1 works best as a go-to thick-barrel pen for notebooks and daily writing. At 2,200 yen, it sits in the affordable-but-considered range, and the combination of five functions, real wood, and Jetstream ink makes it easy to justify if you write regularly.

If you want a single pen that replaces several others on your desk, and you appreciate materials that age gracefully, this limited edition is a strong pick. If you mainly care about minimal weight or a softer rubber grip, other multi-pens may suit you better.

Conclusion

The Uni Pure Malt Jetstream 4&1 is a thoughtfully made multi-pen that balances looks and function. The whisky-barrel oak grip, the matte limited-edition colorways, and the consistently smooth Jetstream ink make it a favorite among the limited editions released so far. The clip is the one real annoyance, but for a daily-carry pen that grows more character with use, it is an easy recommendation.