Muri Koji Rice Series 1

MURI Koji Rice Series 1 is a non-alcoholic sparkling cuvée from Copenhagen built around koji-fermented rice, with a layered blend of jasmine tea, magnolia, fig leaf, and other fermented ingredients. Rather than dealcoholizing wine, MURI uses culinary fermentation techniques to build complexity from the ground up, and this bottle leans beautifully into that approach. Floral and aromatic at first, it develops notes of ripe orchard fruit, toasted grain, and delicate herbs, with the koji bringing a subtle savory umami character underneath. Fine bubbles and bright acidity keep it lifted, while gentle tannin and fermentation give it texture and a long, dry finish. It’s elegant, unusual, and wonderfully difficult to put into a traditional beverage box.

Why We Love It

This is MURI at its most fascinating. Koji is usually something we associate with the kitchen, but here it provides the same kind of savory depth that lees aging can bring to wine. The florals make the first sip immediately inviting, then the complexity quietly unfolds underneath. It has enough structure for the dinner table, but it’s also special enough to open when you want a bottle that feels celebratory. For customers who want to explore what non-alcoholic drinks can be beyond wine alternatives, this is a beautiful place to start.

Especially good with: miso-glazed black cod with scallions, seared scallops with brown butter and yuzu, mushroom and Parmesan risotto, roasted chicken with morels and thyme, aged Comté, or delicate sushi and sashimi.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Floral and aromatic — jasmine and magnolia lead, with a soft orchard fruit quality and a subtle toasted grain note from the koji-fermented rice underneath.

Palate: Layered and elegant — florals carry through the mid-palate, with ripe orchard fruit, delicate herbs, and a gentle savory umami depth from the koji that builds quietly as the glass opens up. Fine bubbles and bright acidity keep everything lifted and fresh.

Finish: Long and dry, with gentle tannin, lingering jasmine, and a clean fermentation complexity. The koji’s umami character lingers subtly — the same kind of savory depth that lees aging brings to fine sparkling wine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MURI Koji Rice Series 1 non-alcoholic?
Yes. MURI Koji Rice Series 1 is fully non-alcoholic — it’s built through culinary fermentation techniques rather than dealcoholization, so no alcohol is produced or removed.

What is koji and why does MURI use it?
Koji (Aspergillus oryzae) is a mold used in Japanese culinary tradition to ferment rice, soybeans, and other ingredients — it’s the foundation of miso, sake, and soy sauce. MURI uses koji-fermented rice to add a subtle savory umami depth and fermentation complexity that mirrors the kind of character lees aging brings to fine sparkling wine, without any alcohol.

What does MURI Koji Rice Series 1 taste like?
Floral and aromatic up front — jasmine and magnolia — with ripe orchard fruit, toasted grain, and delicate herbs developing through the mid-palate. The koji brings a subtle savory umami character underneath, with fine bubbles, bright acidity, and a long, dry finish.

How is MURI Koji Rice Series 1 different from MURI Fade to Black?
Koji Rice Series 1 is the floral, aromatic expression — jasmine, magnolia and orchard fruit with a savory koji depth, closer in spirit to a complex white or sparkling wine. Fade to Black is the dark, fruit-driven expression — fermented currants, malt kvass and chamomile kefir, closer in spirit to a sparkling red. Both are built through fermentation rather than dealcoholization.

Is MURI Koji Rice Series 1 a limited release?
Yes — the “Series 1” designation indicates this is a specific release in MURI’s ongoing koji rice series. Availability may be limited, so we recommend securing a bottle while it’s in stock.

Is MURI Koji Rice Series 1 a good choice for natural wine or sake lovers?
Yes to both. The fermentation-based approach and koji complexity will resonate with natural wine enthusiasts, while the rice fermentation and umami depth make it a compelling choice for sake lovers looking for a non-alcoholic alternative with genuine fermentation character.

Does Cheeky & Dry ship MURI Koji Rice Series 1 nationwide?
Yes — we ship across the US. Non-alcoholic sparkling beverages ship without the restrictions that apply to alcoholic beverages.

How should I serve and store MURI Koji Rice Series 1?
Serve well chilled in a white wine or sparkling wine glass — the chill keeps the acidity lively and lets the florals open up gradually. Store unopened in a cool, dark place; once opened, refrigerate and consume within 1–2 days for best carbonation and flavor.