Women in Distilling Celebrates Milestone with Nearly 300 Distilleries on Inclusive Map

High-Proof Creative’s Initiative Shines a Spotlight on Marginalized Communities

PORTLAND, Ore. - Women in Distilling is thrilled to announce its map — which highlights women and other marginalized people in distilling — has hit a milestone of nearly 300 distilleries. 

Women in Distilling consists of a website with a map, a blog, and an accompanying Instagram account. Created in 2020 by High-Proof Creative, a woman-owned creative agency for craft spirits, Women in Distilling highlights marginalized communities in craft spirits. To date, the map has nearly 300 women, LGBTQIA+, and BIPOC-affiliated distilleries with coverage written by Clare Goggin Sivits.

Karen Locke, founder of Women in Distilling, was a full-time freelance writer prior to starting High-Proof Creative. During this time, she had trouble finding diverse sources for her articles, particularly women and people of color in the spirits industry. According to Locke, “Anecdotally, I heard people in the industry say there weren’t many women in distilling, but in a decade writing about craft spirits, I knew it was more likely these people weren’t getting the exposure and recognition they deserved.” 

Vanessa Braxton, a trailblazing figure from Black Momma Vodka and the first African American woman to serve as Master Distiller or Master Blender in the state of New York, shared her thoughts on the impact of Women in Distilling, stating, "Women in Distilling is at the forefront of the spirit industry, exposing woman Distillers passionate about the skills and artistic side of Distilling. What an honor to be featured in a prestigious editorial among my peers! Period!" 

Entries to the map are self-elected, and distilleries can choose to showcase their companies in many categories including: women-owned, women on executive team, woman distiller, employing 50 percent or more women, BIPOC, Non-Binary, LGBTQIA+, and more. 

Coverage at Women in Distilling consists of features that highlight business owners and other folks in the industry and regional guides of where to find women+ affiliated businesses. Women in Distilling was awarded Double Platinum in 2023 from ASCOT Awards for Best Instagram.  

About High-Proof Creative

High-Proof Creative is a woman-owned & award-winning digital marketing & branding agency with a passion for craft beverage. High-Proof Creative provides services for companies nationwide in a variety of areas including branding & packaging, website development, design, marketing strategy, social media, content, SEO, and more. Prior to starting High-Proof Creative, founder Karen Locke, wrote “High-Proof PDX: A Spirited Guide to Portland's Craft Distilling” and wrote about food and drink for publications such as Bon Appétit, GQ, Thrillist, Sip magazine, Chilled, and more.