Recategorizing Shiner Bock (and others)

After reviewing the ratings for readily available bocks (and there are few), I was surprised to find that Shiner Bock is actually categorized as a bock even though it really does not meet the description of a bock as it weighs in at only 4.4% ABV. It is a decent enough beer that got me through my early twenties, but maybe it needs to be categorized under a different style. Many of the reviews identify it as a Vienna style lager. Just because a brewery claims they make a certain style of beer, we shouldn't just take them on their word, should we? After all, I see advertisements that claim Miller Lite is a pilsner. Thankfully, this site does not categorize Miller Lite as such.

Anyway, I thought it was worth bringing up for discussion. I am sure there are other examples out there that exist, although I certainly hope this doesn't become an argument as to where to draw the line between single IPAs and double IPAs....which we all know is 6% ABV.

 

I acknowledge this in my original post.

 

I suppose this is an appropriate place as any to ask how beers are actually classified on this site? I think it is worth noting that new BJCP guidelines for 2015 were recently published. There have been major changes since the last publication in 2008. Perhaps this site does not acknowledge BJCP as the most valid source, however.

 

I was actually being quite honest with my assumption that the site might not view BJCP as the most valid source, which seems to be confirmed based on your last comment regarding a preference for Brewer's Association style guidelines. My assumption was based on the premise that consumer reviews and judging a beer by style are two very different things, and I view this site as more of a consumer review site. I am also willing to assume that most craft beer consumers are probably not even aware of BJCP guidelines.

Seriously though, I'm not trying to be rude here.