Diageo buys world's biggest whisky collection

Published: 08 October, 2008

Diageo has bought the world's largest collection of whiskies from a Brazilian whisky enthusiast and shipped them to Scotland, to be displayed in a specially designed vault at the Scotch Whisky Experience.

Featuring 3,384 bottles, the record-breaking collection was built up over 35 years by Claive Vidiz, who scoured the world for whiskies to create the collection.

The bottles, which Diageo purchased for an undisclosed sum, are currently being stored at a high security location in Scotland after being shipped 6,500 miles from Sao Paulo on board container ship the Monte Rosa.

A specially designed vault is being created at the Scotch Whisky Experience to display the Diageo Claive Vidiz Scotch Whisky Collection. The vault is part of a £2 million investment at the five-star tourist attraction on Edinburgh's Royal Mile.

The range includes some of the most popular whiskies as well as some of the rarest.

"To split up a collection which I have devoted more than 35 years of my life to would have broken my heart, so I am truly thrilled Diageo has purchased it in its entirety," said Vidiz.

"It is also wonderful to see it safely back in Scotland. We have an expression in Brazil - 'the good son returns home' - and in my view the collection is back with its family now," he added.

Shipping the fragile cargo across the Atlantic took months of preparation, and each bottle was individually packaged by fine art specialists.

VisitScotland's chief executive, Philip Riddle said: "The return of such an important and interesting collection of scotch whisky to Scotland is fantastic news, particularly as we look forward to Homecoming Scotland 2009.

"The year long programme of events will give us all a chance to celebrate some of our greatest contributions to the world, including whisky. This collection is sure to be a great draw for visitors and locals alike."

Visitors to the Scotch Whisky Experience will have the opportunity to view the collection from spring 2009.