Looking for a Claude Code Router alternative?

The Distillery optimizes what Claude receives, not which model handles it.

Why developers look for alternatives

Claude Code Router reduces costs by routing requests to cheaper models like DeepSeek or Llama. For tasks that need Claude's reasoning — architecture decisions, complex refactors, multi-file edits — that substitution shows up in output quality.

The Distillery keeps every request on Claude. It reduces token costs by removing redundant context before the API call, so you get the same model with a smaller bill.

Privacy and tool-calling reliability

Claude Code Router routes code to DeepSeek, Groq, and other third-party infrastructure. Not all routed models support the tool-calling Claude Code relies on for file edits and git operations — causing silent failures on core workflows.

The Distillery is a local proxy. Context never leaves your machine, and every Claude Code feature works exactly as expected because every request goes to Anthropic.

Simpler setup, measured savings

Claude Code Router requires npm install, ccr init, provider API keys from multiple services, and a JSON routing config. The Distillery is one command: `thedistillery start` — no env var, no JSON config.

Real-world savings range from 30-60% depending on session patterns; the conservative deterministic floor is 20% (reproducible via npx tsx scripts/benchmark.ts). You only pay when the proxy saves you money.

Want a head-to-head? See the full side-by-side comparison with Claude Code Router.

Try The Distillery — free below €20/mo