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Description
Distilled is a highly thematic strategy card game about crafting spirits in a distillery, with resource management and push-your-luck elements. In the game, you have inherited a distillery and are hoping to someday achieve the title of master distiller through purchasing goods, building up your distillery, and creating the world's most renowned spirits.
Purchase new ingredients and invest in upgrades to your distillery, all while eventually distilling the spirit and sending it to the warehouse. Once in the warehouse, age your spirit to enhance its flavor and bottle it to sell it for major profits!
Achieve the title of Master Distiller by having the most spirit points at the end of the game. Points are obtained by distilling and selling spirits.
—description from the designer
Year Published
2023
Transcript Analysis
Browse transcript mentions, sentiments, pros/cons, mechanics, topics, quotes, and references.
Total mentions: 17
This page: 17
Sentiment:
pos 17 ·
mix 0 ·
neu 0 ·
neg 0
Showing 1–17 of 17
Video UWqrcHJ9b80
Dice Tower top_list at 41:57 sentiment: positive
video_pk 13743 · mention_pk 40165
Click to watch at 41:57
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- excellent theme integration
- educational value
- captures craft and science
- distillation mechanic creates tension
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- distillation
- spirits
- alcohol
- craft
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- This is my most played game of the year
- It is the perfect engine builder
- absolutely adore this game
- one that instantly I fell really hard for it
- would absolutely watch Oathsworn the HBO series
- the story and the setting is that rich
- for me the epitome of what a thematic game can be
- every click of the clock matters
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video 9Zo_HBZhgCA
Unknown Channel general_discussion at 11:43 sentiment: positive
video_pk 12353 · mention_pk 36027
Click to watch at 11:43
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Highly thematic integration
- Solid production and accessible design
Cons
- May require longer teach/read time for some players
Thematic elements
- Historical/distillation lab with thematic controls
- Alcohol distillation theme
- Thematic engine-building
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Deck/hand management with top-bottom card interaction — Deck pulls and storage influence how you execute distillation steps
- Theme integration — Strong thematic mechanics that mimic distillation process
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- It's a blast; it's like Magic. I haven't played yet, but I'm going to teach him how to play.
- The ghost adds so many layers of strategy.
- You spend ink points to ready your character, and then you can either fight or quest.
- It's sold out at the show; 90 minutes sold out in the rush.
- Two clever cats—it's a thinking game for two clever cats.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video XnaJinZXVi8
Before You Play playthrough at 0:00 sentiment: positive
video_pk 11566 · mention_pk 34001
Click to watch at 0:00
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- strong theme with distillery setting and regional flavors
- asymmetric player powers add variety
- blend of mechanisms: set collection, engine-building, push-your-luck, and hand management
- two-player variant feels tight and flavorful
- clear end-game scoring with multiple paths to points
Cons
- rulebook may be dense for new players
- component complexity and prototypical art may change in final copy
Thematic elements
- craft distillation competition; regional flavor identities
- modern-day distillery with regional spirits
- procedural/educational
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- aging phase — aging adds flavor cards to spirits; more aging can increase end-game points but risks fewer immediate sales.
- distillation phase — assemble yeast, water, and sugars in a central washback; draw alcohol cards revealing outcomes; push-your-luck as top and bottom cards may be discarded.
- market phase — players buy basic and premium market cards and recipes to set up their distillery strategy.
- set collection / engine growth — collect bottles and storage items; bonuses from flavor cards and end-game bottle scoring.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- this one's designed by dave beck
- it's a one-to-four player game
- we're going to be demonstrating how the game is played by going over a full round
- this is technically a prototype copy of the game
- an extremely high quality product
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video I50Rk5fHjiY
Good Looking Kickstarters kickstarter_review sentiment: positive
video_pk 11057 · mention_pk 32526
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Beautiful components
- Unique theme
- Award finalist
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Craft brewing and spirits production
- Alcohol distillation industry
- Competitive distillery management
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Deck building — Players build and improve their deck of cards
- Push Your Luck — Risking more to create better spirits
- Resource management — Managing resources to create spirits
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- You'll forget your name the next day
- Alone together in tranquility
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video mR0CPWo2skg
Board Game Coffee preview at 0:45 sentiment: positive
video_pk 10230 · mention_pk 30215
Click to watch at 0:45
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- High production polish for a prototype; one of the most polished prototypes the hosts have seen
- Rich upgrade path with impactful choices (architect, large storage, master blender)
- Flavorful aging mechanic that adds meaningful decision space and scoring potential
- Signature drinks and character identities add personality and strategic variety
- Clear progression through market, upgrades, and distillery expansion
Cons
- Prototype nature means final components may differ; some balance questions may arise in final release
- Complexity can be intimidating for casual players; requires careful setup and planning
- Pressure-luck elements introduce variance that could impact late-game balance
- Aging and flavor card effects may be opaque until experienced with play through
Thematic elements
- Crafting spirits, entrepreneurship, and market competition
- Industrial distillery business in a fictional setting
- Story-driven with a humorous, fourth-wall commentary feel during gameplay setup and execution
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Aging and flavor cards — Age certain spirits in barrels, with flavor cards adding variability and point potential.
- hand management — Players manage a hand of actions and resources to execute recipes and upgrades.
- Identity-based powers and signature drinks — Each character identity grants a unique ability and a signature drink that rewards high scoring.
- Press-your-luck drafting — Draft and combine ingredients with some luck elements to determine outcomes.
- Resource market and set collection — Acquire ingredients and resources from a basic and premium market to build recipes.
- Scoring via prestige and spirit points — Prestige points from aging, recipes, and signatures drive victory and end-game scoring.
- Upgrading and specialization — Invest in upgrades and hire specialists to improve throughput and efficiency.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- one of the most polished prototypes we've ever received
- aging process itself has a light pressure luck element
- upgrading is my favorite part
- crafting spirits in your distillery is actually a fairly simple process with a bit of pressure luck
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video mR_YCXPj24c
Board Game Coffee general_discussion at 10:48 sentiment: positive
video_pk 7495 · mention_pk 22250
Click to watch at 10:48
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- engaging social interaction
Cons
- subject to party game fatigue
Thematic elements
- social deduction/party game
- drama around social drinking and gameplay
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- tabletop interaction — discussions and deals around distilling theme
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- it's a time travel chest and it's really well done
- i dug it
- i'm sold so i want to play the game that lights up
- blue clues with benedict cumberbatch
- I got 84 gold
- this is gamma so far gamma's been
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video AsnITF-z9y8
Foster the Meatball top_10_list at 6:47 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6931 · mention_pk 20511
Click to watch at 6:47
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Tight, quick plays with high decision density
- Accessible to learn but offers depth with planning
Cons
- Some players might want more variability or components
Thematic elements
- aroma, alchemy, and craft
- Alchemy/distillation theme with competitive engine-building flavor
- tight, concise, competitive
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- engine-building — players optimize actions and resources to generate better outcomes over rounds
- resource management with timing — choosing when to execute actions affects efficiency and scoring
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Spicy. So you might be like, Here, Sam. And maybe I'm giving him back some of his bloodline that he gave me back.
- Root's just always going to be here. I play it every day.
- Dice Town. Since we first played Dice Town and every time afterwards, I have had so much fun.
- I love Dune Imperium. I think it's a perfect of a game as you can get.
- Obsession is such a fantastic game and I will pump this game up as much as I can.
- Mountain Goats is incredible. It's a great, quick dice game.
- Red Dust Rebellion is no joke amazing.
- Three Chapters is the newest game from Amigo. And I think it's going to blow up.
- Crafting the Cosmos is so good. The UX is amazing.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video jxt0ddH7MVI
Dice Tower review at 1:12 sentiment: positive
video_pk 6594 · mention_pk 19543
Click to watch at 1:12
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- first Paverson game
Cons
none
Thematic elements
none
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Welcome back to the Dice Tours. We take a look at another shelf in the Dice Tower Library.
- if you like games about delivering the mail, this is it
- Just a solid game of quick, snappy turns
- AIA, what a great game about shipping. This is a fantastic, terrific game.
- You like Dominion, but you want it for dice. This is your game.
- Very very popular games all them. That's why there's two of each.
- Although, frankly, you should always play with the expansion.
- I just really am loving SETI. Fantastic game.
- I do like this game. I have a soft spot for it.
- Vast, not as popular as its successor, root
- My favorite game here is The Great Museum Caper. Nope. I forgot Magical Athletes there. Magical Athlete is amazing.
- I just love Tumbling Dice.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video gvdheqB4ZL0
Sethos top_10_list at 4:53 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5702 · mention_pk 16943
Click to watch at 4:53
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- strong theme and design
- expansion adds depth
Cons
- complex for new players
Thematic elements
- mixology and scoring through card interactions
- Cocktails and cocktails expansion noted
- thematic and design-forward with a clear personality
Comparison games
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- expansion integration — cocktails expansion mentioned as a positive add-on
- set collection / hand management — cards give scoring conditions and manage actions
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Dungeons of Doria is an amazing game.
- This is amazing. This is like one of my most favorite dexterity games at the moment.
- A Wild Venture is my personal highlight of spiel this year.
- Wingspan, of course, this is clearly Srank.
- Distilled will always be an S probably.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video Bfc4OnHdnts
Junkets Games rules teach at 0:56 sentiment: positive
video_pk 5073 · mention_pk 15073
Click to watch at 0:56
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Rich thematic integration of distilling, aging, and flavoring
- Multiple strategic paths via recipes, aging, and region bonuses
- Dynamic market interaction and card availability
- Clear turn structure with simultaneous aging in practice
Cons
- High complexity and potential for analysis paralysis for new players
- Many interacting rules; a long setup and rule explanation required
Thematic elements
- Crafting and competing to become the Master Distiller via recipes, aging, and regional bonuses.
- A distillery-themed strategic game experienced over seven rounds where players build, age, and sell spirits.
- Rule-explanation with live demonstration and playthrough fragments.
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Aging and flavors — Age spirits in barrels, add flavor cards, and gain bonuses when selling or scoring.
- Distilling phase — Fill washback with ingredients, draw alcohol cards, and distill spirits with head/tail selection.
- End-of-round and awards — Spirit Awards, free actions (tasting), and end-of-round cleanup and scoring opportunities.
- market phase — Buy cards from basic or premium markets, learn recipes, and manage turn order.
- Recipe learning and signature ingredients — Learn bronze/silver/gold recipes, use signature ingredients to boost scoring or access new options.
- Region-based scoring and bottles — Region icons on spirits and bottles influence end-game points and bonuses.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Welcome to the Junkets Games tutorial for Distilled.
- Seven rounds, seven phases per round, and the goal is to maximize Spirit points.
- Final aging and scoring will determine the master distiller.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video XjMVQkB6JRY
Unknown top_10_list at 15:14 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4983 · mention_pk 14823
Click to watch at 15:14
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- distinct, sneaky theme with humor around moonshine and legality
- engaging mechanic of top/bottom discard adds tension
- variety in aging and flavor cards keeps play dynamic
Cons
- rule density due to specialized terminology
- table presence and components could be heavy
Thematic elements
- liquor production and market dynamics
- spirits distillation across global recipes
- humorous with a strong theme backbone
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- deck-building / card management — manage recipe cards and flavor cards to enhance products
- distillation phase — create specific spirits with aging, barrels, and ingredients; top/bottom discard mechanic adds risk
- market phase — acquire ingredients for distilling and aging processes
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- time is an illusion
- it's a very linear game where you are going through the seasons
- everything you're doing makes sense in that world
- I think it's really, really cool
- I love distilled. It's got a lot of good sneaky theme in there
- this linearness really lends itself to the thematic tie-ins
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video sfynkh_guXM
Foster the Meeple top_10_list at 9:35 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4798 · mention_pk 14083
Click to watch at 9:35
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Perfect game (Cognomen)
- Most-played game of the year
- Multiple viable strategies
- Theme integrates with mechanics
- Available on Board Game Arena
- Upcoming Cocktails expansion
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- alcohol production
- business simulation
- distillery management
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Star Wars in a box
- We are talking about objectively the best games in the whole wide world
- The limit does not exist
- As mean as a game as you can play
- I love not knowing what's going to happen
- It's perfect
- Root is my type of game
- Most played game of all time
- This is phenomenal
- If you're in a horror movie is not everything dependent on luck
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video _NuBG4yaE2g
Foster the Melee top_10_list at 0:15 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4698 · mention_pk 13706
Click to watch at 0:15
Overall sentiment (raw)
very_positive
Pros
- Masterpiece board game
- Theme matches mechanics perfectly
- Very enjoyable with repeated plays
- Engaging production phase
- Asymmetrical player powers
- New to Jamie in last year
Cons
- Element of luck in the game
- Causes frustration when dice fail
Thematic elements
- alcohol distillation
- regional spirits
- production
Comparison games
- Root
- Viticulture
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- I do think it's a masterpiece of a board game
- We have played villainous so much so much that we now see all of the flaws within it
- The more I play tapestry The More I Love It
- You can play Shakespeare versus a T-Rex and there's something hilarious about that
- I very much enjoy it and I think it's going to sit right where it needs to be
- Every time I play it I get so angry at it because there is an element of luck but it's a masterpiece
- It's probably the best produced board game I've ever seen
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video SDnU7isUsBc
Board Game Coffee general_discussion at 11:44 sentiment: positive
video_pk 4490 · mention_pk 13187
Click to watch at 11:44
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Strong thematic coherence
- Engaging engine-building concepts
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- Craft beverages; fermentation/production
- Distillery/brewery theme
- Engine-building with thematic ties to distilling
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- libertalia the new game from stone meyer
- distilled is a lot of fun distilled i think really does a good job
- i am so pumped i love unmatched i am too i really like it
- t-rex looks wicked but i still like unmatched just don't use the bathroom around it
- detective there's a batman licensed version of detectives which is called everyone lives coming out
- sagrada has a new expansion called glory glory
- we're about to play dune imperium now
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video -Y0PNXo4lJE
Attackers top_50_list at 5:02 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1962 · mention_pk 5589
Click to watch at 5:02
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
none
Cons
none
Thematic elements
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- Cascadia is a wonderful family tile-laying game that's cozy, puzzly, and endlessly replayable.
- This is just my personal ranking. Your list will almost certainly look different.
- A brilliant little solo game that I happily recommend.
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video _QdAB9dM_A4
Might I Suggest a Game top_10_list at 8:58 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1356 · mention_pk 3976
Click to watch at 8:58
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Cool thematic execution
- Economic gameplay
- Spirits/whiskey theme
- Thematic gameplay mechanics
Cons
none
Thematic elements
- distillery
- spirits
- whiskey_production
- economics
Comparison games
none
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
Mechanics unknown.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- welcome back everyone it feels great to be back in the saddle and ready for a brand new year with brand new opportunities to give you the best board game recommendations out there
- i'm alex and welcome to might i suggested game a channel devoted to helping you find the perfect board game
- having to go through all the awesome releases that are scheduled for this year and narrow it down somehow was a gargantuan task
- i tried to generally order this list from lightest to heaviest game
- I think skateboarding is a totally underutilized theme in board gaming especially for a generation that was raised on tony hawk pro skater
- these tiny little dragons are adorable
- as a self-proclaimed wingspan superfan personally i mostly just see the similarities in the plethora of dog breeds
- i'm stoked to see this one fulfilled and get to play it in person
- the whole thing seems really thematic which is really my number one reason to try any of these games out
- i love poetry i even write a little bit of poetry myself
- if i'm going to play something this heavy i really want to be into the theme
- i think that's a brilliant idea i think it should have been done way earlier than this
- i'm alex your board game sommelier signing off
References (from this video)
No references stored for this video.
Video t_ng9KQWoOA
Foster the Meeple playthrough at 3:58 sentiment: positive
video_pk 1073 · mention_pk 3086
Click to watch at 3:58
Overall sentiment (raw)
positive
Pros
- Accessible and breezy for two players, enabling quick plays
- Strong mood pairing with the Lumineers album to achieve cohesive atmosphere
- Relaxed pacing that suits a listening session and casual banter
Cons
- Teaching-for-the-first-time may require a short guide or reference
- Limited player count could limit long-term replay variety
- Some players seeking deeper crunch might wish for more complex strategic depth
Thematic elements
- Distillation, bar culture, social interaction, and storytelling through the ingestion of atmosphere as much as mechanics
- A cozy home gaming session with a speakeasy/Prohibition-era flavor, where players collaborate and compete in distillation-themed tasks while a curated music album provides the mood.
- Mood-driven and lighthearted, with thematic flavor used to guide pacing and player engagement rather than heavy narrative exposition
Comparison games
- Three Ring Circus (The Greatest Showman album pairing)
- Chocolate Factory (Aly CAD Games)
- Bridgerton Season Two soundtrack
Mechanics (from transcript analysis)
- Card-based set collection — Players collect cards representing distinct distillates or ingredients to assemble combinations that score points, with the possibility of blocking or enabling opponents through card visibility and choice.
- Interaction through drafting and timing — Players influence each other’s options by drafting cards and choosing when to execute actions, creating light strategic tension without heavy direct confrontation.
- Resource management — Players monitor limited resources (e.g., ingredients, coins, or tokens) across rounds to optimize distillation outputs and maximize scoring opportunities.
- Round-based play with quick turns — The game unfolds in brisk rounds designed for a tight two-player experience, prioritizing smooth tempo and minimal downtime.
- Thematic scoring cues — Scoring aligns with flavor of the theme—prohibition-era atmosphere, customer demand, and the reputation of the distiller—providing intuitive payoff for mood-consistent choices.
Video topics + discussion points
No key topics recorded for this video.
Quotes (from this video)
- we are going to be pairing up a record with a board game
- this is the first episode we're not going to have a lot of talking or anything we're just chilling
- we're just chilling we're playing a game while we listen to some music
- we chose distilled with Lumineers because we thought the vibes were vibing
- The Vibes fit there's lots like a Speak Easy feel
- there's lots of songs on this Lumineers album that reference bars and stuff like that
- this is actually our first time playing this game so I learned it I just taught Jeff
- we're going to dive in and have some fun
- we wanted to play this for a while and that's what we're doing
- I learned it together and it moves pretty quickly
- we're done: I have won by six points
- it's very good
- I would recommend listening to Lumineers while playing Distilled
- it's easy vibes you know Speak Easy vibes that is everything that we have for our very first on record
- we'll be back again with another one
- let us know down in the comments below if you enjoyed this video
- hang out with us while we play a game that is everything that we have for you today
- subscribe and we hope to see you again soon
References (from this video)
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Transcript Navigation
Showing 1–17 of 17