I too prefer not to use stains, but also use alcohol base aniline stains when necessary. Any oil based stain that has an inch of sludge/pigment in the bottom of the can before mixing will muddy up the grain some. I have read that the water based stains will fade from UV light exposure.

I think you are smart to try stains or finishes on a scrap of your wood before you commit yourself. A couple years ago, I did a little experiment where I planed some black walnut and cut pieces which I glued together with various glues to see what gave me the most invisible glue joint for repairs. Going further, I applied as many different "clear" finishes as I had on hand on my glued-up samples to see if they affected visibility of the glued joint. I used Linspeed, Tru-Oil, Tung oil, spar varnish, Deft, Permalyn, Polyurethane, Watco Danish Oil, Waterlox, and several others. I was amazed at the different results the various finishes gave on the same wood.

Voting for anti-gun Democrats is dumber than giving treats to a dog that shits on a Persian Rug