After emptying a barrel, German’s all sozzled (6)

I believe the answer is:

blotto

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'all sozzled' is the definition.
'blotto' can be an answer for 'sozzled' (synonyms). I'm not sure about the 'all' bit.

'after emptying a barrel german's' is the wordplay.
'after' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'emptying' means to remove the middle letters.
'german' becomes 'otto' (common German name).
'barrel' with its centre removed is 'bl'.
'bl' put next to 'otto' is 'BLOTTO'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for blotto that I've seen before include "Helplessly drunk (slang)" , "Tight" , "under the table" , "Cockeyed drunk" , "As one plastered" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.

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