Crossword Genius

More stout and ale, drinking large one (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

portlier

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'more stout' is the definition.
('portly' can be a synonym of 'stout')

'ale drinking large one' is the wordplay.
'ale' becomes 'porter' (porter is a kind of ale).
'drinking' is an insertion indicator (inserted letters are consumed or drunk).
'large one' becomes 'li' (I can't explain this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'porter' enclosing 'li' is 'PORTLIER'.

'and' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for portlier that I've seen before include "Larger" , "more stout" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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