I thought this was pretty good, found it easier to keep tack of than some seemingly did, only lose end for me is 8d. I think it’s a type 1 and if so the wordplay gives bas? Is that right and if so why?
Ah of course, supped plenty of it in my time, thematic as well.
Overall very good I’d say. Loads of thematic stuff in the clues, a subject close to my heart, no tricky end game stare, the phrase and object became clear about half way through.
All done apart from identifying the three hangover across clues and the maxim. In clue order, the letters I have are PNRVIESSNOTIAIVD. I is the only letter which occurs three times, so I have tried ignoring these, but to no avail. Would somebody be kind enough to tell me whether I have the correct letters?
I'm completely flummoxed by the "item" to be found from the extra letters in the Downs. I've got 10 letters which I've checked many times but I just can't find an anagram. Can anyone throw out a hint, please?