Karen founded High-Proof Creative, an award-winning branding and marketing agency for the craft beverage industry in 2018. She is author of “High-Proof PDX: A Spirited Guide to Portland’s Craft Distilling Scene” and has been a food and drink writer, and worked at marketing agencies for nearly 10 years prior to launching High-Proof Creative. Karen has been published by GQ magazine, Bon Appétit, Sip Northwest, and more. Karen joined the Women’s Distillery Guild as a board member in 2018, and currently serves on the board of the Portland Culinary Alliance. She is also a member of the Women of the Vine & Spirits, American Distilling Institute, and American Craft Spirits Association.
Alcohol Marketing Agency
Branding & Marketing Services
In addition to the services below we also offer consulting and training in marketing and TTB label approval.
Logo & Label Design
Branding Workshop
Website Development
Social Media Management
SEO/Content Creation
Photography
Google, Facebook, IG Ad Management
Founded by Karen Locke
WOMAN-FOUNDED & OWNED
OUR CLIENTS
MARKETING & CONTENT CREATION
Creative Marketing Management
In 2024, John Barleycorn Awards named High-Proof Creative the Marketer of the Year!
We offer comprehensive marketing for beverage brands and distilleries. Everyone on our team has a background in marketing for non-alcoholic beverages and craft spirits.
Services we provide:
- Social media management
- Content creation for social media
- Content creation for blog, eNewsletter, and more
- Social media ad management and Google Ad management
- Creative campaign creation
- Public relations and influencer management
- SEO – Search Engine Optimization
- Website development
- Website maintenance & updates
- eComm strategy
Marketing Blogs
Marketing, design, and creative tips for running your craft spirits business.
On March 19, 2026
We’re Hiring: Content Strategist (Part-time, Freelance)
- Posted by Karen
We’re looking for our next content strategist to join the High-Proof Creative team in Portland, Oregon. As our next freelance content...
Read More
On November 19, 2025
High-Proof Creative Leads Design for John Lee Hooker Legacy Spirits’ New “Strings of Legacy” Kentucky Bourbon Collection
- Posted by Karen
We are proud to announce our creative leadership behind the label and packaging design for John Lee Hooker Legacy Spirits’ newest...
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On November 6, 2025
Using AI To Create Product Labels vs. A Beverage Branding Agency
- Posted by Karen
Should I use AI to generate a product label or hire a craft spirits design agency? If you expect to save...
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On April 3, 2025
Ferrari Dreams, Kia Budget: How to Align Expectations with Your Marketing Agency
- Posted by Karen
In the seven years since High-Proof Creative launched, the most challenging part of our social media and marketing work has been...
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On February 28, 2025
Everything You Need to Know About Working with a CPG Packaging Design Agency
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
Good, solid, well-designed food packaging leaves an impression. Done well, it not only stands out on the shelf but it communicates...
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On November 4, 2024
The Purpose of PR in the Beverage Industry
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
A client once asked us, “Is PR just a hope in our hearts or will there be an ROI?” As a...
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On September 17, 2024
Should Your Distillery TikTok? Alcohol Advertising Policy on the Platform [UPDATED FOR 2024]
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
Even as the future of TikTok hangs in the balance, its status as a marketing tool continues to climb. Brands launch...
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On September 4, 2024
How an Alcohol Marketing Agency Can Help Boost Your Liquor Store Social Media & Drive People to Your Store
- Posted by Karen
In today’s seemingly saturated liquor market, standing out as an outstanding liquor store is more crucial than ever. The craft spirits...
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On August 16, 2024
Does Your Distillery Need a Wholesaler? And Other Questions About Tied-House Laws
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
As distillers develop and produce alcoholic beverages and prep them for consumption, eventually the question comes up: “Do I need a...
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On March 20, 2024
Liquor Brands That Rock: Spirits Rooted in Music
- Posted by Courtney Kittel
In a world where music moves us in ways nothing else can, it’s no surprise that the rhythm of a catchy...
Read MoreVIEW OUR WORK ON BLOOMBERG
LOGOS & LABELS
Creative Packaging Solutions
We’re a creative agency specializing in branding and packaging for the craft beverage industry. Here’s what one of our clients has to say about working with us:
“Karen, Ashley and the entire team at High-Proof Creative are amazing to work with. They are not only creative and strategic, but very adaptable, easy to work with, they demonstrate market competency, and listen.
If you need to get things done, on budget, and on time, they are your go to agency. They’ve made our products and creative shine not only in competitions but more importantly with our customers.” – Yolanda, Next Century Spirits
AWARDS FOR HIGH-PROOF CREATIVE
Marketing, design, and website awards for our work in the distilling industry and craft beverage.
CLIENTS
U.S. and Worldwide
We’re an alcohol branding agency with clients all over the U.S., and worldwide. We work remotely or from our office in downtown Portland.
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Lets Talk
We’re a full-service craft spirits marketing, and branding agency. Let’s talk about your website, design, SEO, content, and social media needs.
Phone
Schedule a Call
karen@highproofcreative.com
Address
1017 SW Morrison Street #316
Portland, Oregon 97205
We might be based in Portland, Oregon, but we serve craft beverage and CPG clients around the globe from Singapore to Dubai and California to Kentucky and everywhere in between.