Military roots a key ingredient for Tucson brewery

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TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) – Allan Conger grew up in the US Marine Corps from the south side of Tucson and Desert View High Schools.

“They’re tearing you down, rebuilding you, and you’re a marine forever,” he said, remembering his experience. “It’s not a job, it’s a whole different life.”

Conger served from 1994 to 2004, including a period in Iraq. Then he returned to Tucson, only to find it was a major change “that is difficult for many people to understand”.

“It is difficult for many of us to find a purpose,” he said. “Just this service and this drive and this camaraderie, all that stuff just goes away.”

Conger eventually found that purpose and earned a degree and then an MBA from the University of Arizona. He says that during this time he attended a fermentation course from an enthusiastic professor.

After that, Conger started brewing at home. Over the years he has been able to turn this passion into a company.

Conger and his wife Alicia, also from Tucson, opened the 1912 Brewing Company on the city’s West Side in 2015. The name “1912” is a reference to Arizona’s first year as a state.

“We love to explore the state, all of the diversity in the state,” said Conger. “We are a kind of blended family, a mixed family. So we weave that into everything we do … Obviously we put a lot of emphasis on supporting veterans and first responders, so it definitely comes from my background. But if I grew up here in Tucson and have that Latin aspect, my wife is Latina. We have this mixed family, we have these experiences with different foods, different flavors. “

Conger says his brewery is known for unique flavors, like Mexican candy in a sour beer. Since opening, the company has brewed more than 300 types of beer on site.

Customers can also purchase a future pint for a veteran, active military member, or first responder who will be offered a free drink.

Though ‘1912’ isn’t just a veteran spot for a drink. It also serves as a refuge and comfort for them.

The brewery is hosting several events for veterans to either open up or just hang out.

“We care about veteran suicide and suicide prevention … many of us are affected,” said Conger. “We do a lot of events to bring that up and bring everyone together … It means a lot that we can help, or even if the other veterans they speak to can help when they’re not even us. And they know they have a place, they have a family, they have a community. That they can come in and not have to feel weak. “

To learn more about the 1912 Brewing Company and upcoming veteran events, please visit the brewery’s website.

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