Perception DC to identify potion by taste (which one is it?)

Under the skill Perception it says the DC is (15+Caster Level) to taste a potion to get an idea about it effects.

Under potions in the magic item section it states the DC is (15+Spell level)

Which one is correct?

Since you can only make potions of 3rd or lower, the spell level DC limits the number to 15-18, but the Caster level DC will vary accordingly.

Hmm, and under Spellcraft, it also has the 15 + caster level formula to identify items.

The potions listing seems to imply that you get two chances to identify a potion, once with Detect Magic, another with just tasting a drop, but a clarification would indeed be useful if one is easier than the other.

Under the skill Perception it says the DC is (15+Caster Level) to taste a potion to get an idea about it effects.

Under potions in the magic item section it states the DC is (15+Spell level)

Which one is correct?

Since you can only make potions of 3rd or lower, the spell level DC limits the number to 15-18, but the Caster level DC will vary accordingly.

Someone can answer officially?

The old rules for 3.5 suggested that the primary source is always a winner over the secondary source

So, if that rule is still being followed, the text in the magic item description trumps the table entry in the skills section. . . which is preferable -- the DCs to identify potions should be easier than harder.

The DC for a spellcraft check to identify magic items using detect magic is for *all* items -- the perception check is purposely an easier check to help non-magic types learn what potions do (since they're more likely to use potions in the first place).

Does Craft (Alchemy) help in identifying potions at all?

I think meabolex has the right idea.

DC is (15 + Spell level) is for Spellcraft checks.
DC is (15 + Caster Level) is for tasting potions via Perception.

I think at least.

Here's a follow-up question: Can one Try Again on a Perception check to taste a potion?

I would say, personally, its + spell level. You are tasting it to see if you can determine what it's doing to you and that generally becomes more complex the higher the spell level.

If anything it would be easier (in theory) to know what it is as it increases caster level as the effects would be amplified even more and more obvious. That's just my take on it.

It should be +caster level. Perception should be less effective, since it's way easier to attempt (you don't need ranks or detect magic).

It should be +caster level. Perception should be less effective, since it's way easier to attempt (you don't need ranks or detect magic).

It should be +caster level, just to be the *same* DC.

Well, "should be" and "is" are two different things. I'll clarify: It is caster level, and if either should be less effective, it should be Perception. :P