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
We're a creative agency with a passion for craft beverage
In addition to the services below we also offer consulting and training in marketing and TTB label approval.
Logo & Label Design
Branding Workshops
Website Development
Social Media Management
SEO/Content Creation
Photography
Google, Facebook, IG Ad Managemen
Founded by Karen Locke
WOMAN-FOUNDED & OWNED
OUR CLIENTS
AWARDS, PRESS & TESTIMONIALS
People's Choice - Voted BEST BRANDING/DESIGN EXPERT by readers of Spirited magazine. Summer 2019.
Spirited magazine
FIRST PLACE - Hermes Creative Awards, 2020 for Interactive Media | Social Media | 136. Instagram
Hermes Creative Award
Eater wrote about the software & movement we built in, ".. Database Helps People Find Women and Non-Binary Distillers Across the Country,"
Eater Portland
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
RECENT BLOGS
Marketing, design, and creative tips for running your craft spirits business.
On September 20, 2023
The Power of Experiential Marketing for Craft Beverage Companies
- Posted by Cari
In the ever-evolving world of craft beverage marketing, where authenticity and connection are key, brands are continuously seeking innovative ways to...
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On August 17, 2023
I Used to Hate Vegas Too: Off-Strip Recommendations for the 2023 ADI Conference
- Posted by Karen
When it comes to hating Las Vegas, I get it. I used to hate Vegas too. I come from Portland —...
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On August 15, 2023
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...
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On August 15, 2023
6 of Our Favorite Examples of Distillery Tasting Room Design
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
Distillery tasting rooms serve an important purpose: welcoming visitors who want to sample your spirits. All you really need is a...
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On July 27, 2023
The Best Beverage Marketing Campaigns of 2023, So Far
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
A successful alcohol marketing campaign drives customers to buy a bottle. It connects consumers with an incentive or a reason to...
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On July 15, 2023
How Influencers Can Boost Your Wine Marketing Strategy
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
No one takes advice from strangers and your consumers are no exception. They want recommendations from real people who they trust....
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On June 24, 2023
Understanding How Tied-House Laws Impact Wine Marketing
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
A retailer built a program around your wine and you’d like to create some wine marketing buzz around it. They’ve worked...
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On June 12, 2023
The Key to Beer Branding and Marketing
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
The ingredients you need for your beer – they’re pretty standard and straightforward. You know you can craft a fine beverage...
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On May 26, 2023
7 Key Ways to Market and Brand Your Winery
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
A bottle of wine is not just crafted but it’s grown, aged and carefully packaged for a specific consumer. Winemakers painstakingly...
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On May 16, 2023
6 Ways to Boost Alcohol Marketing Strategy This Summer
- Posted by Clare Goggin Sivits
Summer means warmer weather, flip-flops, pool parties and barbecues. It’s also an excellent opportunity to sell more craft spirits with an...
Read MoreCLIENTS
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 clients around the globe from Singapore to Dubai and California to Kentucky and everything in between.