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good catch! Noted

LabRat wrote: The US 5th Amendment states "No person...shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself...", by admitting to the alcohol use, you did just that.
If he was on shaky ground before your admission, it appears to me he got a firmer stance when you spoke.

I don't know if I agree with this. He had said the last consumption took place over 1.5 hours previous.
Unless he had been driving all the time (90 miles?) since then there is no link to a probable open container.

I think it was the smell that cinched it. After 1.5 hours I would expect to have halitosis, but not beer breath. I'd also have to have some gum or something.

Good for you!

I do love a happy ending. Well, except for the attorney fees.

I think I'd go with (in range of his mic and video camera

"With all due respect, officer, I want it on the record that I do NOT consent to a search of my vehicle."

If he knows he's on shaky legal ground, he may decide it's not worth it.
If he searches the vehicle, and a court case develops, you may have a legal basis to contest the legality of the search.

Can't answer that, but I'm interested to hear an informed answer.
Obviously that's been gnawing at you, as it would me.