Crossword Genius

Stuff used up making brandy (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

marc

'brandy' is the definition.
(I know that marc is a type of brandy)

'stuff used up' is the wordplay.
'stuff' becomes 'cram' (synonyms).
'used up' says the letters should be written backwards (in a down clue, letters go up).
'cram' reversed gives 'MARC'.

'making' is the link.

(Other definitions for marc that I've seen before include "A brandy; --- Chagall, artist" , "Drink" , "Spirit" , "Brandy distilled from grape residue" , "Refuse from grapes after pressing - kind of brandy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sunday Times.
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