The world's largest collection of whiskies has arrived in Edinburgh this week, brought home from Brazil.
Featuring 3,384 bottles, the record-breaking collection was built up over 35 years by Brazilian whisky enthusiast Claive Vidiz.
Mr Vidiz has scoured the world for whiskies to create the collection, which has been bought by Diageo.
The whisky manufacturer will be loaning the collection to the Scotch Whisky Experience on the Royal Mile next year.
The bottles are currently being stored in a high security location in Scotland, after being shipped 6,500 miles from Sao Paulo on board a container ship.
A specially designed vault is being created at the Scotch Whisky Experience to display the collection.
"We have an expression in Brazil, 'the good son returns home', and in my view the collection is back with its family now"
While the details of the terms of its sale to Diageo remain under wraps, the unique collection is described by whisky experts as "invaluable" and ranges from the most popular whiskies to some of the rarest.
Mr Vadiz said: "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.
"It is now in the hands of a company which is at the heart of the Scotch industry and I am certain they will cherish and develop the collection.
"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."
Among the many rare bottles is a Strathmill single malt produced to celebrate the Speyside distillery's 100th anniversary.
Limited edition
One of only 100 bottles ever produced, this limited edition centenary malt was offered to a very select few, including various heads of state.
A favourite of Mr Vidiz is Dimple Pinch, one of the first special editions of a Scotch whisky ever produced.
Bought in 1969 for US $1,000, it was the most expensive limited edition bottle of Scotch whisky on the market at the time.
Shipping the fragile cargo across the Atlantic took months of preparation and each bottle was individually packaged by fine art specialists.
"We are delighted to have worked with Claive to bring this wonderful collection safely back to Scotland and to play a part in preserving its legacy and historic significance," said Bryan Donaghey, managing director of Diageo Scotland.
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."
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