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?
1. Celebrations
Fountain Brewery workers Harry Traunter, John Smith and Tom Owens celebrate in March 1989 after a planned merger by the Australian company Elders IXL with Scottish & Newcastle Breweries fails | TSPL
2. Cheers
Eric Morecambe and (left) Ernie Wise enjoy a pint of Tennent's lager with Erica, one of the 'can models', when they visit the Heriot brewery at Roseburn, Edinburgh, in December 1978 | TSPL
3. Quality control
Inside the Tennent's Lager Wellpark brewery in Glasgow in January 1972 | TSPL
4. Coal-fired
The Lorimer & Clark in Slateford Edinburgh, the last beer brewery to use coal-fired coppers in Britain, pictured in February 1984 | TSPL