High-Proof Creative

High-Proof Creative is a branding and marketing agency that concentrates on craft drinks and food businesses. Karen Locke founded it in 2018 after a career in food and drink writing and agency marketing. The company is woman-founded and woman-owned.

What High-Proof Creative offers

• Logo and label design — creates labels, bottles, cans and packaging for spirits, tea, tonic and similar products.
• Social media and content — produces posts, blog articles and newsletters for beverage brands.
• Paid advertising — manages Google, Facebook and Instagram campaigns.
• Public relations and influencer work — handles outreach and creator partnerships.
• SEO and websites — optimises search visibility and maintains client sites.
• Consulting and training — advises on marketing and on label approval with the US alcohol regulator, the TTB.

Who it works with

Its clients are distilleries, craft spirits makers and other beverage producers, many of them small independent brands.

Key facts

• Founded: 2018
• Founder: Karen Locke, who also wrote a guide to Portland's craft distilling scene
• Recognition: named Marketer of the Year at the John Barleycorn Awards in 2024
• Memberships: the founder sits on the board of the Women's Distillery Guild