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So this MRE brings me back. 2004 was my first experience in eating an MRE. It was at Camp Atterbury with my ROTC unit. The first one I had was Menu 13: Cheese Tortellini. From what I heard, most people did not like that one. It actually ended up being one of my favorites! Anyway, here we have a 2004 Menu 9: Beef Stew. The date code on the tan package is "4268" (September 25th, 2004). I do not know how this case was stored, so I had no idea what to expect with this one. It actually ended up being a bit of a surprise. So lets dive in!
Upon opening the bag and examining it's contents, everything appeared to be in good shape. No leakage or compromised components. The only thing I could see right off the bat was that the bottle of Tabasco sauce had dried slightly. No big deal. I was also a bit surprised to see the beef snack component. That's one I've never had before, so I was looking forward to giving it a try.
Let's break out the main. I remember having beef stew back in the day and I thought it was pretty good back then. Opening the box, I could see that the retort pouch looked just fine. I put it in the FRH and let it do its thing. A few minutes in and the FRH seemed to be a dud, so I added a little salt to help get things going. That did the trick, but it was still not very energetic. It took around 25 minutes to get the main heated to perfection. I opened the pouch and gave it a quick smell. I was pleasantly surprised... it smelled perfect! I poured it into a bowl and gave it a taste. It was really good! Just a little bland, but nothing that a shot of Tabasco couldn't fix. The meat and veggies tasted just like I remembered. It definitely had that typical processed taste that we all know and love. Also, the potatoes were still firm, like you'd expect from a fresh MRE. Anyway, I polished off the rest of the main and went on to the Beef Snack.

This was the one component of this MRE that I was really looking forward to trying. Of all the rations I've eaten, I've never had it! The package was not vacuum sealed, but I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be. I opened it up and found another package inside with two small sticks of beef jerky. Looking at them closely through the package, I could see a good amount of fat that had come out of the meat. Maybe from excessive heat? Again, I had no idea how this case of MREs was stored. Opening the packet, I could smell stale meat. It wasn't bad, but just like an old package of jerky that you might find left in your camping gear for a year. Snapping one in half, I could see that they were very dry. I know, I know... Beef jerky is dried meat! Well this was so dry that it was brittle. I could have crumbled it into powder without too much effort. Hesitantly, I gave it a bite... it was just meh. Not really good, but it's edible in a pinch. I couldn't give this one a thumbs up or down. Just... meh.
Next was the crackers and apple jelly. Both appeared fine on the outside, so I was hopeful. Apple jelly is one of my favorite ration components! I opened the crackers and they smelled good. Maybe just a hint of staleness, but that's just the nature of unsalted MRE crackers. The apple jelly needed a bit of kneading. I opened it and gave it a smell... not bad! I squeezed some onto the cracker and took a taste. It was absolutely perfect! There was no hint of fermentation or anything that would tell me that it wasn't fresh. The crackers were still firm and crunchy. I ate the rest and went onto dessert.

So the next components were a bit of a surprise. Starting with the Kreamsicle Cookie. Opening the package, I was greeted with a very delicious smelling orange cream scent. It was actually one of the most aromatic and delicious smelling MRE components I've ever smelled! I took a small bite out of one of the smaller pieces of the cookie, and was actually quite disappointed. The taste was nothing like it smelled. It really tasted like I had taken a bit of orange peel. It was very bitter and slightly sweet. Don't get me wrong though, it was probably fine, but just not what I was expecting. This one gets a thumbs up only because it was still good. It was edible, but just not very tasty.
Next was by far the most surprising component of this MRE... the Chocolate Dairyshake Powder. I went into this review fully expecting this to be the worst component. Well, I was very wrong! Upon opening the packet, it had a strange smell. I really can't explain it. It was neither good or bad, just strange. I guess like smelling milk that has sat for a bit, but had not yet gone bad. You know the smell. I poured some water in the pouch and gave it a vigorous shake. I poured it into a cup and gave it a smell. The smell was a lot like before. Not good or bad. I dipped the spoon into it and it looked a bit like chunky milk. Hesitantly, I gave it a taste. I was not expecting it, but it was great! It tasted like a chocolate shake! It was gritty and thick, but there were absolutely no problems with it. I finished it off and waited for the ill effects from what I had just done to myself. Well you'll be pleased to know that I was just fine!
Well there you have it. This has been my review of a 2004 Menu 9: Beef Stew MRE. Though not as old as some I have tried, it was surprisingly good for the most part. Especially the main and the chocolate shake. I wouldn't hesitate to try another MRE from this particular case. Anyway, if you've made it to the end, I thank you! I plan on doing more of these reviews in the near future.

This is an excellent review. It was almost like I was there to watch you go through step by step. Thanks for taking the time!

Thank you EasyMRE! My written reviews seem to be much better than my videos . I definitely plan on doing more reviews as I have time. I have about 15 cases of MREs ranging from 1982 to 2017. Anyway, thank you again for the compliments!

Very good review, that jerky did look very crumbly