But with restrictions set to be eased many will be reopening to those interested in learning about the brewing process – as well as tasting a few different beers.
With that in mind, here are a dozen of the most popular breweries in Scotland that welcome visitors.
Most offer a tour of the brewery, as well as organised tastings, food, a tap house (in-house bar) and other attractions.
Not all will be reopening as soon as restrictions ease, and many require advance booking, so best check their individual websites before setting out.
5. Drygate Brewery
Positioned right next to the Tennent's Brewery in Glasgow, the Drygate Brewery offers a visitor experience with panoramic views of the brewhouse that includes a bar, restaurant, bottle shop, beer hall, terrace and events space. Tours are available on Sundays. Photo: Google Maps
6. The Isle of Skye Brewery
A group of school teacher friends came up with the idea of opening a brewery on Skye in 1992 and they now produce a range of beers including the popular Skye Red. While there is no tour of the distillery, visitors are welcome at the brewery shop to buy and taste beers. Photo: Google Maps
7. Sulwath Brewery
The tiny Sulwath Brewery can be tricky to find, hidden down a Castle Douglas backstreet, but it's worth a visit for their tours, tastings and shop. The name comes from the ancient name for the Solway Estuary and they specialise in traditional hand-crafted ales. Photo: Google Maps
8. Belhaven Brewery
Established in Dunbar in 1719, Belhaven is Scotland’s oldest working brewery, producing some of the the country's most popular beers. Visitors are welcome to enjoy their Monk’s Retreat bar, tour and tastings. Photo: Google Maps