Crossword Genius

Junior Scout putting away a very alcoholic drink (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

beer

'alcoholic drink' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'junior scout putting away a very' is the wordplay.
'junior scout' becomes 'beaver' (Beavers are Scouts aged 6-8).
'putting away' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'a very' becomes 'av' (I've seen this in other clues).
'beaver' with 'av' taken out is 'BEER'.

(Other definitions for beer that I've seen before include "Fermented malt and hops" , "Ale, lager etc" , "eg Bitter" , "Malt liquor" , "Stout, for example" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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