Rocket Fuel for Fall: Oktober Sky

GVBC Launches “Oktober Sky” Oktoberfest with NASA Legend Homer Hickam
by Andrea Fleming, Brilliant Stream Correspondent

Maxwelton, WV — West Virginia’s Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company (GVBC) is blasting off into fall with a stellar collaboration. Award-winning author and former NASA engineer Homer Hickam (the mind behind October Sky) teamed up with the brewery to launch a limited-edition Oktoberfest beer to support West Virginia’s next generation of innovators just in time for crisp autumn evenings.

Oktober Sky Oktoberfest is a classic German Märzen style beer. Expect a rich amber hue, toasty malt character, and a smooth finish, all wrapped up in a refreshing 5.9% ABV. Clocking in at 21.9 IBUs, this brew offers a touch of bitterness to balance the sweetness of the malt.

A beer with a mission

This collaboration isn’t only about delicious beer, though. Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company and Hickam are also partnering to create a scholarship program. A deserving West Virginia high school student will have the chance to attend Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama, thanks to this initiative. Talk about fueling future generations of space explorers!

Hickam believes West Virginia is on the rise and well-positioned for a local economic boom, and he is proud to support small WV businesses. 

Greenbrier Valley Brewing Company’s triumphant return from a four-month hiatus back in 2023 aligns perfectly with the inspiring spirit of West Virginia native Homer Hickam. It’s no surprise that these two local icons collaborated on a philanthropic Oktoberfest beer release to give back to the community and support WV’s youth. GVBC has 30 full-time employees, and owner Joshua Bennett credits that to his amazing team.