Tequila Arette Fuerte 101 Blanco is one of the best tequilas I’ve had.
Arette is one of those tequilas that reminds you why classic, traditionally rooted producers still matter.
Made by the Orendain family at El Llano Distillery in the town of Tequila, Arette was launched in 1986 by brothers Eduardo Orendain and Jaime Orendain.
The family’s tequila history goes back to the early 1900s, and El Llano is the third-oldest distillery in the town. I’ve spent time in the family hacienda in the square, and it’s like being in a museum adorned with trinkets and pictures that whirl you through time.
El Llano may seem simple at first glance, but that’s where its character lies. It’s a smaller distillery that leans into artisanal methods and tradition, and it’s always a place I love to visit when I’m in Tequila. The private tasting room makes the experience feel even more intimate, especially if you catch Eduardo or Jaime to guide your tasting.
The Arette bottles got a glow-up this year with new labels that showcase the legendary one-eyed horse, Arete, who became part of Mexico’s Olympic history. That story gives the brand a deeper sense of heritage, and the newer bottle design brings more of that legacy forward.
What I love is the parallel between the family behind the brand and the story of the horse Arete. Rooted in history, shaped by legacy, and carried forward with pride. For me, the expression in the lineup that symbolizes the brand’s roots is the Fuerte 101. It captures the brand beautifully, and is a window into the quality of the brand.
On the nose, I get anise, eucalyptus, mint, and citrus right away. It opens super green and lifted, but still feels grounded.
On the palate, it leans savory in the best way, with tobacco, dill, lemongrass, rosemary, raw agave, and this viscous saline mouthfeel that gives it so much character.
The finish is long, lingering, and very herbal, with those fresh green notes and dill sticking around.
For me, this is one of the best 101-proof tequilas I’ve had.
It has structure, intensity, and so much personality without losing that raw agave core. It’s a tequila that I visit often, remembering why I love it so much.
NOM | 1109 |
|---|---|
Agave | Jalisco (Los Valles) |
Cooking | High pressure autoclave |
Extraction | Roller mill |
Water | Deep well water |
Fermentation | Open-air stainless steel tanks without fibers |
Still | Stainless pot with copper coil |
Age | — |
ABV | 50.5% |
