Brewers will be able to enter eight categories to be assessed on the taste of their beer and eight categories recognising business success in innovation, packaging and product development.
Annual gathering
Former Scottish & Newcastle director Hilary Jones, who will chair judging of the awards at an all-day session in May, said: "[The awards] will allow us to showcase the best of Scottish brewing on an annual basis. In gathering to celebrate our achievements, we hope to unite the entire industry, large and small brewers alike, in a new and positive way.
"Scotland has an enviable position both in the centuries-long tradition of brewing but also in leading the way forward to the future with new breweries emerging and some fantastic products hitting the shelves."
Marketing edge
Being shortlisted or winning an award would give brewers a marketing edge as they continue to grow sales at home and abroad, she added.
The full list of categories for entry includes Best Lager or Pilsner, Best Amber or Dark Lager, Best Pale Ale, Best IPA, Best British-style Ale, Best Amber or Dark Ale, Best Porter or Stout, Best Speciality Beer, Innovation of the Year, Beer Destination of the Year, Product Development Team of the Year, Exporter of the Year, Excellence in Marketing, Growth Business of the Year, Master Brewer of the Year and Scottish Brewery of the Year.
Finalists will be announced on 10 June 2016, with winners to be announced at a ceremony on 29 September at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange.