Dicky tests ales lacking in flavour (9)

I believe the answer is:

tasteless

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'dicky' is the definition.
Both the answer and definition are adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for tasteless that I've seen before include "Insipid - inappropriate - dull" , "Lacking flavour or ability to appreciate the beautiful" , "Unseemly" , "Lacking flavour or aesthetic appreciation" , "Insipid - vulgar" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.

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