Question about Miso

Is my container of Shiro Miso bad? It is dark brown, almost black. I always thought that shiro was tan-white. This container has never been opened and I was expecting a different color. The smell is OK. Can't really comment on taste as I've only used the golden and dark brown types.
On a Japanese kick lately and looking to make miso sauces for steamed cauliflower

Miso comes in a variety of shades, and very dark brown is one of them. So it may be that it's supposed to be like that. But it could also be light-brown miso that's badly oxidized. Since the container has never been opened, though, oxidation seems unlikely. I think it's just that you have the dark brown variety of miso.

-Paul W.

Miso comes in a variety of shades, and very dark brown is one of them. So it may be that it's supposed to be like that..

Except she said that she had shiro miso which by definition is white.

I'm wondering if the package actually says 'shiro' or perhaps you misremembered which kind you bought Christina?