What is your favorite brand of miso?

I am a big fan of South River, as well, but am quite happy w/Miso Master as I can also get it nearby. You can buy it on the shelf (other brands)
in stores closer to me, but that's not my thing.

just realized that my answer (above) is completely off topic for your question, but I'm not sure how to delete it! Sorry

You need to add fish stock (dashi) to the miso (instead of water)! I had the EXACT same dilemma as you after trying multiple brands of Miso. After my Japanese friend heard my complaints, she told me that now matter how good the miso paste, you must have the right base to make it taste "right". You can use canned, flakes, powder etc. for the stock. My friend gave me some of her powdered dashi stock, and after adding it to my miso paste, the taste was just right!

I love this hotline! Have been looking over the South River website and am enthralled. They are closed for the summer months but look forward to placing an order this fall.
It would be amazing if I could have good miso soup at home.

Here is a great Cooking Channel video on the process, inside South River, including ancient foot-treading methods if anyone is interested:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1mLdA2XsTw&feature=relmfu

The three brands mentioned are probably sold in natural food stores, rather than Asian markets. And all three are made in America -- US and Canada, by skilled miso makers. Miso Master and South River would be considered artisan products. And all excellent.

Not sure, since I just bought red miso for the first time. I plan to use it in a dressing for salad. In the mid Hudson Valley the brand I find is "Miso Master Organic." Hardly a recommendation.

The most amazing miso you can find anywhere is South River Miso. It's widely available here in the Bay Area but I'm not sure about elsewhere. You can definitely order it online. It comes in so many interesting varieties, like azuki bean, chickpea, and dandelion leek.

Thanks all, for the good help~ I'm making a little list and will get them when I see them.

Miso Masters is a good band.

Not sure how widely it's distributed (I'm in CT), but I dig South River miso.

I will try it- thank you! I think you are right about getting red. Have only tried white and it ruined everything.

My favorite is Westbrae Natural. I usually buy the red paste, as it's most like the miso you find in restaurants.