Crossword Genius

Beer: first choice is Guinness (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alec

'is guinness' is the definition.
(actor Alec Guinness)

'beer first choice' is the wordplay.
'beer' becomes 'ale' (type of beer).
'first choice' becomes 'c' (1st letter of 'choice').
'ale'+'c'='ALEC'

(Other definitions for alec that I've seen before include "Actor Guinness is smart" , "Sir - Douglas-Home, former PM" , "Guinness (a smart lad?)" , "Smart ..., he thinks he knows everything" , "Smart chap" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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