I don't have a problem with alcohol, I just was surprised that he would endorse it with his music, with him being a recovering addict. The character he plays in The Wire I imagined being pretty close to the real thing and he wouldn't endorse dope. I know alcohol is socially acceptable and I drink it myself, but if it was invented today it would be banned tomorrow.
I don't think any less of Mr. Earle for doing it, and I know he's not in the top league of earners, and I think his music is all the better for it, but I suppose he has to keep himself stocked with guitars .
"And it's legs to walk and thoughts to fly" Townes