Crossword Genius

Island whisky's ace (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

malta

'island' is the definition.
(Malta is an example)

'whisky's ace' is the wordplay.
'whisky' becomes 'malt' (malt whisky is a kind of whisky).
'ace' becomes 'a'.
'malt'+'a'='MALTA'

(Other definitions for malta that I've seen before include "Island European country" , "Mediterranean island awarded the George Cross" , "Island member of the European Union" , "A Med. island" , "Mediterranean island state" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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