A group of Dutch investors has bought one of the world’s largest collection of rare whiskies for €10 million.

The 3,100 bottles, which previously belonged to the Italian whisky connoisseur Valentino, have gone on display in Sassenheim. The oldest item dates from 1843 and there are also bottles from 1940, when distilling whisky was officially outlawed under wartime restrictions.

The 12 collectors from specialist investment firm Scotch Whisky International bought the stock three years ago and have spent the intervening time arranging the display in reinforced glass cabinets.

Zagatti also considered offers from Russia and China before accepting the Dutch bid. Michel Kappen, of Scotch Whisky International, said putting the bottles on public view was a strict condition of the sale. ‘That’s why were were able to obtain the collection, by saying we would put them in a museum.’

Mr Kappen said the high price paid for antique whisky reflected its scarcity value and high status. ‘Some people have a lot of spare money at the moment for luxury products,’ he said.

‘Mr Zagatti has reached a respectable age where he said, if my children don’t want to keep the collection, why not cash it in and enjoy the money it brings me?’