I hear the observations challenge had a drawback.

(8 letters)

 

_ _ _ _ a _ _ _

spirants?

Again, no twyngwyn.

Obstacle?

You got it countess. Tis all yours.

Taste picked up question about mother’s identity (5)

 

 

Absocryptolutely.

 

Taste picked up question about mother’s identity (5)

 

DEFINITION

     taste = umami

WORDPLAY

     picked up [indicator:homophone]
     question about mother’s identity (sounds like) who mummy = umami

 

Over to you, nfs.

Clue:

 

One huge powerful group emerged in one joint.

(8 letters)

monopoly?