You Only Need 5 Bourbons in 2026 (Updating My 2020 Picks)

Six years ago, I started a challenge on the channel: "You Only Need 5 Whiskeys." Today, it's time to revisit those picks. Has my taste evolved? Have the market and availability changed my mind? We're going through each category—from the daily drinker to that elusive special occasion pour—and seeing how my 2020 choices stand up in 2026. From "Baby Cliffy" to where we are today, we're talking evolving palates and the must-haves for your bar cart. 🥃 The 2026 "Need 5" Bourbon Lineup: • Daily Drinker: Knob Creek 12-Year • Cocktail Pour: Knob Creek Blenders Edition Batch 01 • Impress Non-Whiskey Guests: Blanton’s Gold • Impress Whiskey Friends: Redwood Empire Haystack Needle • Special Occasion Pour: William Larue Weller (WLW) ⏱️ Timestamps for the Replay Squad: 0:00 - Intro & The 2020 Challenge Revisited 3:00 - Daily Drinker: Rebel 100 vs. Knob Creek 12 14:14 - Cocktail/Mixer Bourbon: Knob Creek Blenders Edition 20:36 - Impress Guests Pour: Blanton’s Gold 26:35 - Impress Whiskey Friends: Redwood Empire Haystack Needle 32:25 - Friday Night Pour: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof Store Picks 42:35 - Special Occasion Pour: William Larue Weller 51:07 - Final Thoughts & Part 2 Tease (Rye Edition!)