The Collection
Our Whisky Collection comprises 3,384 bottles of Scotch Whisky, making it a priceless record of whisky history.
This public display of nearly 4,000 bottles makes your head spin when first encountered - One of the 7 wonders of the Scotch whisky world
Whisky Advocate magazine
Welcome
The Diageo Claive Vidiz Whisky Collection found its home at The Scotch Whisky Experience in May 2009 and is the jewel in the crown of our tour and tasting experiences. Every visitor to one of our tours has the opportunity to view the stunning Collection, drinking in the amber glow from 3,384 bottles of golden spirit.
The Collection can also be hired exclusively in the evenings for a private dinner or whisky tasting for up to 10 guests: Edinburgh’s ultimate, intimate gourmet dining experience.
Take our Gold, Silver or Platinum tours to experience the collection for yourself.
One of the 7 wonders of the Scotch whisky world.
Learn about the 5 steps to nosing and tasting a whisky on your tour.
Spend time looking at all 3,384 bottles.
Slàinte Mhath!
Chat to our friendly tour guides.
Enjoy a private whisky tasting.
Book a whisky and food matching private experience.
The Story of the Collection
In the 1970s, Claive Vidiz, a whisky enthusiast in Sao Paulo, Brazil and founder member of the Brazilian Association of Whisky Collectors, started to seek out and purchase Scotch whisky of varying type, cost and rarity. He amassed almost 3,500 bottles over 35 years.
In October 2006 The Collection was purchased by Scotch whisky distiller, Diageo. When Diageo brought the Claive Vidiz Collection home to Scotland, it was with a commitment to preserve the legacy, the passion with which it was collected and to share it with an international audience. It was decided that this would be best achieved by locating it here at The Scotch Whisky Experience in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city.
We have an expression in Brazil - ‘the good son returns home’ - and in my view the collection is back with its family now
Claive Vidiz
Rare and Remarkable
One of the most unique aspects of this collection was Claive’s desire to collect as wide a range of whisky as possible, from the most accessible to the rarest, including eccentric and unusual items. Having been preserved in its entirety we have an invaluable insight into the recent history and branding of Scotch whisky; a unique “snapshot” of 35 years of the Scotch whisky industry.
Hiding amongst the collection are some unusual bottlings for younger visitors to spot…two Scottie dogs, monks, a bull, books, golf bags, a seal, an eagle and many more – all containing Scotch whisky.
What an incredible experience it was!!! Honestly, it was beyond my expectation! You guys made the evening! My husband was thrilled he got introduced to the various regions of whiskies, was enthusiastically surprised by new flavours Liam introduced to him, and the dinner, wow, the most delicious courses perfectly prepared! I cannot thank you enough for you and your teams amazing efforts for an almost magical evening for us both! And, again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for making Mark’s birthday one he will never forget!
Mark and Ashley Thomas, June 2021
Whisky Tasting
Join one of our senior tasting team members who will guide you through a sensory test, and a tutored tasting of four single malt Scotch whiskies within the spectacular surroundings of the Collection. Tastings within the Collection are limited to 10 guests, and can also be paired with food.