Scotch back in barrels which the drink escapes from? (8)
I believe the answer is:
scuppers
'scotch back in barrels' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
'the drink escapes from?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'drink' could be 'cupper' (informal term for a 'cup of tea') and 'cupper' is present in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).
'which' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for scuppers that I've seen before include "Openings in ship's sides to carry off water from deck" , "Drain holes in ship" , "Ruins" , "drains aboard" , "Ship's drainage holes" .)