Crossword Genius

Barker's excellent ginger beer (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

airedale

'barker's' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'excellent ginger beer' is the wordplay.
'excellent' becomes 'ai' (resembles 'A1', old-fashioned term for excellent).
'ginger' becomes 'red ginger' (red hair).
'beer' becomes 'ale' (type of beer).
'ai'+'red'+'ale'='AIREDALE'

(Other definitions for airedale that I've seen before include "Canine breed" , "Barker" , "Terrier - Yorkshire area" , "Yorkshire district; breed of terrier" , "best friend?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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