The spirit of the Netherlands (8)

I believe the answer is:

schnapps

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'the spirit' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Strong spirit ' mean 'schnapps' so perhaps 'spirit' could also mean 'schnapps')

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for schnapps that I've seen before include "German alcoholic spirit" , "Various strong spirits drunk in N Europe, consonant heavy" , "Strong alcoholic drink from the Continent" , "Dutch or German spirit" , "Dutch spirit distilled from potatoes" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

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