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 member of the Women of the Vine & Spirits, American Distilling Institute, and American Craft Spirits Association.
Industry Solutions
AWARD-WINNING CREATIVE AGENCY FOR THE SPIRITS INDUSTRY
Our goal is to provide more than marketing — we aim to create digital solutions to help the craft beverage industry grow to its full potential.
-Best Branding/Design Expert 2019 by readers of Spirited magazine
-Gold for Best Website, John Barleycorn awards
-Platinum (1st) for Social Media Photography, Hermes Creative Awards
-Gold for Label Design, Hermes Creative Awards
Website for Still Talking Podcast
wordpress
Photography for Headwind Vodka
photography
Founded by Karen Locke
Woman Founded & Owned
Our Clients
Testimonials
Here are a few testimonials from recent clients.
High-Proof was just what we needed when we launched our Hazelnut Bourbon Whiskey in Oregon. Karen was instrumental in setting up events, arranging social media influences and introducing us to potential clients. A bonus was that we found her creative writing skills exceptional and ended up hiring her to write our back labels for our Pecan infused and Pecan Barrel Strength bourbon whiskey which just hit shelves last month. I highly recommend Karen, the staff and services of High Proof Creative!
Gloria Z., Wicked Harvest
We recently hired Karen to build a new web site for us. Karen started with a lot of thoughtful questions that helped her get a strong understanding of what we were looking for and what our aesthetic is. Karen offered wonderful suggestions and was open to our ideas throughout the process. Karen was very patient with us and our crazy schedules. We own two businesses and this is our busiest time of year but Karen kept us on track and completed the project on time and on-budget!
Amy Bohner, Alchemy Distillery
Your Online Storefront
Showcase Your Brand
Reach potential customers with a strong online presence.
We’re a tech-driven creative agency specializing in website, branding, marketing, and content for the craft beverage industry with a focus on craft distilleries. It’s never too late to start growing your online presence.
MARKETING TIPS FOR DISTILLERIES
Recent Blogs
Digital marketing tips for the distilling industry.
On August 3, 2020
Understanding Influencer Marketing
- Posted by Rachel Morrison
Influencer marketing campaigns are an integral part of any marketing strategy–they basically function as word-of-mouth, but faster. You can get better...
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On July 29, 2020
Liquor Advertising & Social Media Laws in California
- Posted by Claire Petras
Please note: We are not law experts. This is our interpretation of liquor advertising laws, which we follow for our clients based...
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On June 17, 2020
Using ‘Google My Business’ to Drive Customers to Your Tasting Room and Website
- Posted by High-Proof Creative
With the economic reopening underway and new restrictions on businesses, it’s more important than ever to communicate with your customers. Google...
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On June 12, 2020
The Future of Sustainable Liquor Packaging
- Posted by Allie
It’s clear that there will be many long-lasting impacts and changes to the way we live our everyday lives, especially post-COVID-19...
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On April 30, 2020
High-Proof Creative Wins Platinum & Gold at 2020 Hermes Creative Awards
- Posted by Karen
Portland, Ore. (April 30, 2020) —High-Proof Creative, a woman-owned marketing and branding agency for the craft beverage industry was awarded Platinum...
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On April 28, 2020
5 Easy Low-Proof Cocktails to Share with Your Followers
- Posted by Allie
Due to COVID-19 and the #stayhome #stayinside guidance, alcohol sales have increased significantly as consumers are generally drinking at home more...
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On April 13, 2020
6 Spiked Recipes to Raise Your Followers’ Spirits During Quarantine
- Posted by Allie
While quarantined, consumers are looking to support their favorite local makers now more than ever. Many are bringing comfort into their...
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On April 10, 2020
Advice for Working Remotely From People Who Do it All the Time
- Posted by High-Proof Creative
How’s working from home going? It’s a challenge, for sure. Although most of us do live in Portland, our team has...
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On March 24, 2020
How Distilleries and Drink Brands are Supplying and Inspiring Through a Pandemic
- Posted by Lauren
Line-inducing restaurants are now giving out their coveted meals for free. Distillers are focusing their efforts on creating sanitizer instead of...
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On February 28, 2020
How Full-Service Marketing Agencies Can Save You Time and Money
- Posted by Karen
If there’s one thing I learned about distillery ownership in all of the years I spent writing about distilleries, it’s that...
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Free Marketing Quote
Drop us a line and we'll give you free marketing recommendations!
Phone
503-957-4473
highproofcreative at gmail dot com
Address
1017 S.W. Morrison Street #510
Portland, Oregon 97205
Contact Us
We’re a full-service craft spirits marketing, and branding agency. Let’s talk about your website, design, SEO, content, and social media needs.