Arette Blanco: Twenty Dollars of Pure Rebellion

There's a quiet revolution happening at the bottom of the tequila shelf, and its name is Arette. Named after the champion Mexican horse that won the country's first Olympic gold medal in 1948, this fourth-generation family brand produces tequila at El Llano—the third-oldest distillery in the town of Tequila itself. At roughly $20 a bottle, it's rapidly becoming the budget blanco that enthusiasts trust above all others.

The nose is surprisingly complex for the price: delectably sweet honeyed agave, a slight floral note, and intense earthy, fruity, spicy aromas with moderate smoke. It smells like tequila should smell—agave-forward, honest, and inviting—without a trace of the synthetic sweetness that plagues many brands at this tier.

On the palate, Arette delivers intense agave and earth with moderate spice that's initially fiery before fading into mellow sweet agave, vanilla, and white flowers. The flavor intensity is remarkable for an 80-proof spirit at $20—there's genuine depth here, not just pleasant simplicity. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied with enough texture to reward neat sipping, though it works beautifully in cocktails too.

The finish is medium in duration with sweet agave and slight numbing alcohol intensity. It's a straightforward, honest close that leaves you wanting another sip rather than reaching for a chaser.

The 101-proof Blanco Fuerte expression deserves special mention—for just a few dollars more, it delivers even more concentrated agave character with the additional proof providing a bigger, bolder experience. It's rapidly becoming the community's favorite high-value high-proof option.

At $20, Arette Blanco frequently defeats tequilas at double its price in blind tastings. It's additive-free, small-batch, made from estate-grown agave by fourth-generation distillers. What more could you ask for? Celebrity endorsement? We'll pass, thanks.