Runa Bianca
Birrificio Montegioco

its been years since i have had or seen anything from these guys, i cant imagine much has been imported in recent years, much less sent west, not sure it ever sold when it first came around all those years ago, still some bottles collecting dust in places i imagine. this shocked me to see, not only because its new to me, but because i found it at a liquor store in casper wyoming, who knew there were things hiding away on bottom warm shelves like this in the state? could it be half decent still? how old could it be? first trip out would make it maybe eight or ten years, if its any more recent than that, these guys know something i dont, man, stoked! marked down too, also maybe confirming its aged status, but with the bag keeping light out and the vibrant nature of their yeasts, i still had high hopes, no sign of a date at all on either bag or bottle, but i had to buy this, the packaging is so class. the head starts to push pure white out of the bottle like a snow cone when i pop the top, not as heady in the glass after a second, and not that pale, almost a brassy tone to it, more color than expected for a wit, fizzy and active still but its old enough it seems that the bubbles dissipate fast as it sits, some sediment towards the bottom not unexpected in this style. it still smells good to me, only a little oxidized and with the esters of the wit yeast quite unique, orange still popping, and a toasted coriander springy sunny warmth, also white pepper and green banana and island spice, even light coconut, copper, and dill or something, slightly sweet, appealing even through light wet newspaper notes. citrus candy up front in the taste, still appreciable wheat too, more residual sugar than i generally like in this style but its cool with the grain heft, this drinks both delicate and heavy, and the oxidation in the aftertaste only increases with temperature, a little in a beer like this is okay, but this is more than a little. slate minerality, no funk or infection present, white wine grapes, and really cool and distinctive yeast, even on its death bed. i get torn about beers like this, i love the brewery, so heady and rare, so i get pumped to try new ones that i find even though i know they are ancient and in most instances probably poorly cared for. this is one i am thankful to have had, better than missing out entirely even if i am only catching it in part of its glory, someday i hope to have this and all their others ones much fresher, its crazy to me that in the end this is faded as hell, but the headiness still outweighs that, i hope others have the same impression of this. what an unexpected find in this way beerier than anticipated town, lucky me! scores have to be objective about what i am actually tasting, but fresh it could well be one of the best wits in the game, cant be too harsh now or assume anything about what im not drinking, but that is my suspicion...

 

750ml paper wrapped bottle. Great label artwork.

Runa Bianca pours a very pale yellow with a small but strong snow white colored head. Soft, delicate nose of lemon skin and light toasty wheat. Tart and tingling to the tongue, light notes of banana and some very light spice. Extremely refreshing, and very easy to drink, the price tag is a bit high but this is a must try for fans of the style.