Angel's Share^*

Angel's Share is an economic game by Scott Almes about the whiskey trade, published by Spielworxx and Capstone Games: as shrewd investors you buy barrels from renowned distilleries and hope they gain value as they age. For 2 to 5 players aged 12 and up, playing in 75 to 120 minutes.

What's it about?

The name comes from whiskey making: while a spirit ages in wooden casks, a small part evaporates every year – around 2 to 5 percent depending on climate – the "angel's share". The remaining liquid becomes more intense, but there is less of it. That trade-off is the heart of the game.

How it plays

1. Buy barrels from renowned distilleries.
2. Use your limited actions and tight budget to let them age.
3. Over time a bit of each barrel evaporates, leaving you with a prestigious whiskey or a low volume of broken-down spirit.
4. The player who makes the most money wins.

What makes it special?

Long aging brings prestige but costs volume, so you constantly weigh holding a barrel against selling it. The map covers Scotland and Ireland.

Who is it for?

Experienced players who enjoy investment and economic games and like managing scarce resources over several rounds.