Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Pal’alma Ancestral SL Potosi Salmiana 23.03 Destilado de Agave
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Pal’alma Ancestral SL Potosi Salmiana 23.03 Destilado de Agave
Pal’alma
£196
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Pal’alma Ancestral SL Potosi Salmiana 23.03 Destilado de Agave | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Pal’alma |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £196 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pal’alma Ancestral SL Potosi Salmiana 23.03 Destilado de Agave
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pal’alma Ancestral SL Potosi Salmiana 23.03 Destilado de Agave
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).
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
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
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.
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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Pal’alma Ancestral SL Potosi Salmiana 23.03 Destilado de Agave