Pal’alma Ancestral SL Potosi Salmiana 23.03 Destilado de Agave vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Pal’alma Ancestral SL Potosi Salmiana 23.03 Destilado de AgaveLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryPal’almaLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£196£250
Rating5.00/5

Pal’alma Ancestral SL Potosi Salmiana 23.03 Destilado de Agave

Smoke0/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner65/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Pal’alma Ancestral SL Potosi Salmiana 23.03 Destilado de Agave

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Pal’alma Ancestral SL Potosi Salmiana 23.03 Destilado de Agave is better value at £196 vs £250.

For beginners: Pal’alma Ancestral SL Potosi Salmiana 23.03 Destilado de Agave is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Pal’alma Ancestral SL Potosi Salmiana 23.03 Destilado de Agave

Pros

  • +More affordable (£196 vs £250)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £196)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Pal’alma?

Pal’alma Ancestral SL Potosi Salmiana 23.03 Destilado de Agave suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Oily

Only Pal’alma Ancestral SL Potosi Salmiana 23.03 Destilado de Agave

VegetativeCooked Mash

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalKippery

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