Book Review: High-Proof PDX

Book Review: High-Proof PDX

Book Review: High-Proof PDX Karen Locke’s High-Proof PDX is perhaps the most niche-oriented book about the drinking world that I’ve ever encountered, and I’ve read books on absinthe and amari.

High-Proof PDX is billed as “a spirited guide to Portland’s craft distilling scene,” and that’s just what it is. This slim tome is a guidebook of sorts, describing in detail the location, history, and production of about a dozen craft distillers in Portland, Oregon’s two main distilling areas — Distillery Row and the NW Distiller’s District. Because that doesn’t even cover 60 pages, Locke includes some day trips to other areas around Portland, some overall history and tasting room tips, and a few small sections on spirits merchants, cocktail bars, and seasonal events in the Portland area.

Locke knows exactly what she’s talking about (and her writing is solid), and if you’re a spirits enthusiast that lives (anywhere) in Oregon or are planning a trip there specifically to tour craft distilleries, it’s a book you absolutely have to own. The rest of the world isn’t likely to get a whole lot of value out of the book, but for a whopping $13, it’s a worthwhile investment for those of us who find ourselves in the Pacific Northwest once in awhile. I’m hanging onto it.

B / $13 / [BUY IT NOW FROM AMAZON]

High-Proof PDX

$13
8

Rating

8.0/10

A veteran journalist, the author of four books, a published poet, and an award-winning winemaker, Christopher Null has more than 25 years of experience writing about wine and spirits. He founded Drinkhacker in 2007. He also writes regularly about the science of booze for WIRED and is an occasional contributor to ADI's Distiller magazine. He has been a judge for both the American Distilling Institute Judging of Craft Spirits and Whiskies of the World spirits competitions and often works as a consultant, developing formal tasting notes for spirits brands around the world.

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