More Valencia St. Adventures: Monk's Kettle

 Continuing our exploration of beer drinking opportunities on SF's Valencia St, we found Monk's Kettle which is actually  on 16th St., just west of Valencia. We found an extensive beer menu with some very interesting new brews (menu below) and while several people at the bar were trying the pretzel house specialty (Old school pretzel knot, cheddar fondue), we went for the mussels and paired them with Bourbon Barrel Stout from Anderson Valley Brewing and a seasonal Golden Ale, the Gift of the Magi (10.0% abv) from Lost Abbey, San Marcos. Can you say, "sensory overload?" Loved all of the flavors, including the Allagash White (Belgian Style Witbier) which was added to the mussel's broth. Yum, big time!  

We finished with Hoppy Lovin' Christmas, an Imperial IPA with ginger from the Mikkeller Brewery in Copenhagen, Denmark, which was served in the traditional tulip glass, a 10 oz. pour (see photo). We both liked it and felt the ginger flavor was nicely balanced and not overpowering.