The smallest number needed liquor — umpteen bottles (6)
I believe the answer is:
quorum
'the smallest number' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both groups as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'needed liquor umpteen bottles' is the wordplay.
'bottles' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue (bottling is a kind of containing).
'QUORUM' is hidden within 'needed liquor umpteen'.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for quorum that I've seen before include "Minimum required number of members present for conducting business" , "Minimum number required for valid committee meeting" , "Enough for a meeting" , "smallest number acceptable" , "Minimum permissible attendance" .)