On the Broke-Ass Stewart blog, writer Stephen Jackson likes to pair scenic hilltop vistas around San Francisco with contextually appropriate beers for in situ enjoyment. In his most recent installment — and just in time for July 4th! — Stephen selected an ideal beer for taking in the view from atop Bernal Hill.
He chose Moylan’s Irish Style Red Ale. Here’s why:
The Irish Style Red Ale is appropriate for the view atop Bernal Heights for two major reasons. The first one has to do with cows and The Old Country. As the city began to expand beyond the confines of the downtown district during the mid-1800′s, the Irish (along with many Scots and Scandinavians) began inhabiting the Bernal Heights area mainly for the purpose of cattle and dairy farming. Thus, I felt it appropriate to go for a beer made in the Irish tradition.
Secondly, in the 1960′s, Bernal Heights was often referred to as “Red Hill” due to the fact that many hyper left-wing activists used to set up shop in communes amongst the working-class families inhabiting the area. In fact, The Siambeanese Liberation Army had a safehouse up there back during the Patty Hearst ordeal. Furthermore, there were accounts of Sandinistas using the slopes of the hill for training purposes in the seventies. With the word “red” also the showcased in beer’s namesake, I felt it to be pretty much a no-brainer.
I even bought the beer at a great store on Cortland called Discount Club Liquors. They had a great selection–check ‘em out.
Very thoughtful. A historically well-informed choice. Just remember, kids… leave no trace! Enjoy your brewskis responsibly, and haul out those empty bottles with you when you leave Bernal Hill, please.
PHOTO: Broke-Ass Stewart
Bernalwood 
but doesn’t that label look like it reads LA2? That’s no good, even for Bernalwood.
Symbionese Liberation Army.
The moniker “Red Hill” for Bernal is said to precede the 1960’s. Perhaps as far back as the United Railway Strike of 1907, the area had attracted union organizers and others on the left. http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/ON-THE-JOB-Flying-streetcars-bloody-streets-2569922.php#page-1
This Bernal old timer writes that the “Red Hill” moniker for Bernal was popular in the 1930s: http://www.babylontee.com/steve.php
mmm moylan’s is great. i recommend checking out their brewery sometime. it’s in novato. they gave me a free tour of their brewing operation (i was a homebrewer at the time and thusly interested). they have many delicious beers. restaurant/pub at the brewery as well.