Das Wasser des Lebens

About this board game

Das Wasser des Lebens is a 1997 board game for 3–4 players, with a playing time of approximately 60 minutes. It is a re-theming of Settlers of Catan centered on the production of Scotch whisky.

Players take the roles of Scottish Highlanders, collecting the materials needed to develop their operations. The game replaces Catan’s familiar setting with a whisky-making theme, supported by all-new artwork and a distinctive presentation.

Gather the resources required to build roads and distilleries as you work with the essentials of Highland production:

• Wood
• Stone
• Barley
• Peat
• Clear spring water

The well-known robber from Settlers of Catan is reimagined here as the “oppressive force”, bringing a thematic twist to this familiar game system. The core game is basically identical to its source, while the setting and presentation give it a distinct Scottish whisky identity.

Das Wasser des Lebens also stands out as a collector-friendly edition. It is packaged in the same type of metal cylinder used to ship each bottle of Glen Grant Whisky and includes a small bottle of Glen Grant Whisky as an additional bonus for players to enjoy after a hard day in the fields.

Issued in partnership with the Glen Grant Distillery Company, this unusual entry in the Catan Series combines recognizable gameplay with a specialized theme and memorable packaging.