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Might it taste better in the absence of a teetotaller? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

beer

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'might it taste' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'better in the absence of a teetotaller?' is the wordplay.
'in the absence of' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'a teetotaller?' becomes 'tt' (abbreviation).
'better' with 'tt' removed is 'BEER'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for beer that I've seen before include "Hop-flavoured drink" , "It may be 13 across-ed!" , "... this at pub?" , "Drink with a head" , "Fermented malt and hops" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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