With the information we have, is there any rational reason (other than wishful thinking and cognitive bias) to assume he's buying all those bottles for personal consumption?
Nothing that proves itâs for personal use, but some reasons for thinking itâs more likely than not. Such as the way he talked about the subject of alcohol when approached.
Plus, in the wider context, the fact that he is a war veteran who witnessed carnage in Vietnam. He has clearly been affected by these experiences, judging by his public comments, so heavy alcohol consumption would be consistent with that. It doesnât prove anything, but it would make sense.
While itâs fair to recognise there are other possibilities, it seems reasonable to conclude the alcohol was likely for person use, or at least for consumption with a few others including his wife. What we do with that conclusion is another matter. How often does he buy that amount? Is that a problem or not? I donât know. I follow the indications of others who know more about alcohol consumption than I do.