Portland Distillery Tour: Expert Insights from Karen Locke, Author of High-Proof PDX

Portland's vibrant food and drink scene makes it a must-visit for travelers seeking the next great bar or restaurant. To guide us, we spoke with Karen Locke, a Portland expert who started sharing top recommendations just one month after moving from Minneapolis in 2011. With her deep passion for culinary delights and spirits—highlighted by her new book—we explored the city's exceptional distilleries.

Your book, High-Proof PDX, is the ultimate guide to Portland's distilleries, infused with a spirited touch. What inspired you to write it specifically for Portland?

If short on time, what's the one must-visit distillery in Portland?

Tell us more about Portland's famed "Distillery Row."

Your book offers valuable tasting tips. What quick advice do you have for distillery newcomers? How can visitors taste like experts?

Besides Portland, which city stands out in the distillery scene?

What should distillery tour planners know, especially travelers?

Are there Portland distilleries offering spirits, food, and live music?

After distillery hopping, where's the best spot for a meal in Portland?

Which distillery are you excited to try next?

Karen Locke is the author of High-Proof PDX, a comprehensive guide to distillery tasting rooms in Portland (forthcoming September 2017). Pre-order it now here.