Small Craft Advisory: Checkerspot Brewing Bird Is The Word

It’s time for another Small Craft Advisory, and this week we’re heading to Baltimore for a beer that absolutely knocked it out of the park—or should we say, out of Camden Yards? ⚾🍺

We crack open Checkerspot Brewing’s “Bird Is The Word,” a Honey Kölsch inspired by Baltimore’s beloved Orioles and Ravens. Brewed with local honey malt from Bear Branch Malthouse and honey from Brick’s Bees, this one had our attention before we even took the first sip. And with a can design packed with Baltimore Orioles and Camden Yards-inspired details, it might just be one of the best-looking cans we’ve reviewed yet.

But thankfully, Bird Is The Word isn’t just a pretty can. The honey aroma immediately jumps out, and that delicious honey character carries through to the palate without becoming overwhelming. The honey hits strong but stays balanced, returns again on the back end, and somehow leaves room in the middle for a perfectly balanced beer—not too light, not too heavy, just right.

Russell summed it up perfectly: “Cool, crisp, and crushable.” And nobody disagreed.

The biggest news, though? Our leaderboard has a NEW KING OF THE HILL! 👑🍺 After all the beers we’ve put through the Small Craft Advisory test, this one received nothing lower than a 4.6 out of 5 from the guys, giving it the highest overall rating we’ve handed out so far.

Todd also gives us the rundown on Checkerspot Brewing itself, pointing out the brewery’s impressive setup and the many kid-friendly amenities that make it a great option for a family outing—even if the kids aren’t there for the beer.

So grab a cold one, settle in, and find out if Bird Is The Word deserves its spot at the top of the Small Craft Advisory leaderboard.

Be sure to check out Checkerspot Brewing and, as always, follow Wasted Wagons on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and all of our social media platforms like you always do! 🍻