Distilled

I recently got my hands on Distilled, a strategy card game all about the art of crafting spirits. It's a thematic masterpiece, and right from the start, you feel like you're inheriting a legacy, stepping into the shoes of a budding distiller. The game's description accurately captures the essence of the experience: you're managing resources, pushing your luck, and ultimately striving to create the world's most renowned spirits.

From the moment you open the box, you're greeted with premium components. The insert is a marvel of organization, with dedicated spaces for every card and piece. This makes setup a breeze, and packing it away is just as smooth. The quality of the materials is truly impressive, adding to the overall experience.

Gameplay-wise, Distilled is a bit more strategic than "fun" in the classic sense. You have to be methodical, planning ahead and adapting to shifting circumstances. It's not overly complex, but definitely requires thoughtful decision-making. The "push your luck" element adds a touch of tension, as you're constantly balancing risk and reward. I found myself getting completely absorbed in the process of crafting spirits, even though I'm not a drinker myself!

While the game is enjoyable with 2-3 players, it can get a bit bogged down with larger groups, as the downtime between turns becomes noticeable. That said, it's definitely a game that rewards repeated plays, with plenty of replay value thanks to the various ingredients, upgrades, and spirits to discover. I'd recommend playing a couple of rounds without focusing on the win condition to get a feel for the mechanics before going full-on competitive.

Overall, Distilled is a fantastic addition to any board game collection. It's a well-designed, thematic game with high-quality components and plenty of replayability. If you're a fan of strategy games with a touch of luck, and have a passion for spirits, this one is definitely worth checking out.