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Ever since finishing this puzzle I've been trying to see the wordplay to 38a, but don't see how it works. I assuming 'ales' is supposed be 'addles', giving a jumble of REAL, but I don't see how the rest is an instruction to insert DD to get the pre-entry answer.

'extra' = 'outside' ('rum' = 'ODD' bar opening' = DD).

Have managed to complete (I think) and found the quotation, but....
8 ac is a mystery (how apt). I think it may be a four letter word with a double letter extract from a six letter one which means both mystery and a sieve. Is this correct? If so can someone help me parse it. Where does Koblenz fit in? any help appreciated.

Thanks

With you there Dryden - I also thought that was probably the least convincing clue. I saw the aDDles / oDD thing but it still feels rather contrived. Shame as there were some very good (and tough) clues, and 16dn gave me a chuckle.

8a RIDE taking in D (Germany) and L (miDDle) from Koblenz

Williamseal, I took it as being RIDE (trip) taking in D (Germany) followed by L (the miDDle of Koblenz)

Sorry simond9x - you beat me to it almost to a word!

I still can't see the wordplay in 15d. First 6 words........

.....unless DIS is removed from the front perhaps?

Thanks both