MURI × ESSE: The Beginning

MURI × ESSE: The Beginning is one of a collaborative pairing series developed by MURI with Eva Baumgartner, Beverage Director at Restaurant ESSE in Copenhagen, for a non-alcoholic pairing menu. Rather than dealcoholizing an existing beverage, MURI builds the drink through fermentation of separately treated components. According to MURI, the drink was designed to function as a non-alcoholic alternative to Champagne at the start of a pairing menu, intended to deliver equal lift, texture, and sense of occasion.^[1]

MURI lists the declared ingredients of The Beginning as water, gooseberry juice, blackberry leaves, linden flower, wild rose petals, butter, and kefir culture. The drink contains dairy allergens.^[1]

Fermented Gooseberries — Acidic Core. The drink is built around fermented gooseberries. The gooseberry provides the drink's fruit and acidity within the blend.^[1]

Wild Rose Butter Fat-Wash — Texture. The gooseberry base is fat-washed with butter infused with wild rose petals. Per MURI, the butter fat-wash lends a soft, rounded texture the producer describes as reminiscent of fine oak ageing, while the rose brings delicate floral lift and aromatic tension.^[1]

Blackberry Leaf Water Kefir — Structure. A water kefir scented with blackberry leaves is layered into the drink. The blackberry leaves are picked directly outside MURI's HQ, then bruised, oxidized, and turned into a tannic tea that MURI uses to give the blend structure.^[1]

Foraged Linden Flower — Finishing Aromatic. The drink is finished with foraged linden flowers.^[1]

Palate. MURI describes The Beginning as vibrant yet structured: floral, mineral, lightly creamy, and deeply refreshing. The butter fat-wash contributes a soft, rounded texture the producer likens to fine oak ageing, while the rose provides delicate floral lift and aromatic tension.^[1]