So let’s raise our glasses to that fine tradition with these nostalgic pictures documenting the nation’s breweries and beers during the 1970s and 80s.
That may only be a small drop in the ocean of Scotland’s beer-making history, but it’s a refreshing one nonetheless.
This retro photo gallery takes us inside some of Scotland’s biggest and most celebrated breweries of their day.
Workers are seen raising their glasses as they toast some momentous news; carrying out quality control at the brewery; and unveiling a special tipple to mark Scotland’s grand slam rugby heroes.
And let’s not forget those loyal servants, the dray horses, who for many years pulled the barrels and kegs to the pubs where thirsty punters waited.
Famous visitors are pictured, too, from Morecambe and Wise to then-PM Margaret Thatcher and her husband Denis, plus a beer-swilling bear.
Some of the breweries pictured are still going strong, but others have sadly shut their doors for good, like Scottish and Newcastle’s Fountain Brewery, which closed in 2005.
Do these photos bring back any memories for you of the 70s and 80s, and what do you think is the best beer ever brewed in Scotland?
13. Tartan Special
Scottish & Newcastle lorries leave Fountainbridge Brewery with kegs of Tartan Special in January 1978 | TSPL
14. St Leonards
The old St Leonards Brewery, at the corner of East Crosscauseway and the Pleasance, in October 1975 | TSPL
15. Sportswoman of the Year
Scottish athlete Helen Golden receives the Usher-Vaux Sportswoman of the Year Award for 1973 beside a brewer's dray outside the brewery in October 1974 | TSPL
16. Harp lager
A row of tenements on Holyrood Road, next to the Harp lager brewery, in September 1980. The walls have carvings of a glass-blower and a bottle-maker. | TSPL