Bourbon Time Travel: Tasting 2004 W.L. Weller Special Reserve

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Is modern Weller just a shadow of its former self? Join us on this episode of Your Bourbon Journey as we step back in time to taste a piece of whiskey history: a 2004 W.L. Weller Special Reserve “Stubby” bottle.

Found at Revival Vintage Spirits in Covington, KY, this bottle dates back to the very early years of Buffalo Trace’s ownership of the Weller line (purchased in 1999). We put this 22-year-old time capsule head-to-head against a modern bottle to see how grain changes, barrel maturity, and production shifts have impacted the legendary wheated bourbon profile.

From “dusty funk” and lemon curd notes to a surprising lack of ethanol, this 2004 vintage proved that some things truly do get better with time—or perhaps, they just don’t make them like they used to.

In this video, we discuss:

  • How to identify a 2004 Weller using the laser code.
  • The transition from the “Stubby” bottle to the modern tall design.
  • The sensory differences: Lemon Danish vs. Wheat Bread.
  • Why 20-year-old grains, water, and wood create a superior viscosity.

Revival Vintage Spirits https://revivalky.com/ 

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2004 W.L. Weller Special Reserve

  • Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (Wheated)
  • Company: Sazerac Company
  • Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery (Frankfort, KY)
  • Mash Bill: Buffalo Trace “Wheated” Recipe
  • Age: NAS (No Age Statement) — Typical production estimates for this era were 4–7 years.
  • Proof: 90 Proof (45% ABV)
  • MSRP: ~$12.00–$15.00 (Historical estimate for 2004)
  • Released: Bottled in 2004 (Laser code: 04  5444 01)
  • Purchased: 04/30/26 for $225 at Revival Vintage Spirits

❌YOUR BOURBON JOURNEY DOES NOT SELL ALCOHOL❌

🚨REMEMBER TO ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY🚨

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NOTE: The spirit in this review was purchased by us. We were not compensated by the spirit producer for this review. This is simply our opinion based on what we tasted on this day. Please drink responsibly.

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