Crossword Genius

Spike beer, led by demon (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

impale

'spike' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'beer led by demon' is the wordplay.
'beer' becomes 'ale' (I've seen this before).
'led by' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'demon' becomes 'imp' (I've seen this before).
'ale' put after 'imp' is 'IMPALE'.

(Other definitions for impale that I've seen before include "Transfix with spear" , "Run through with stake" , "kebab" , "go through with it" , "Pierce through as with sharp stick" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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