The distillery closed from 1941 to 1945 due to wartime restrictions but resumed production in 1974 after a new structure was built. Today, Coal Ilea is the largest distillery on the island, producing significantly more than Kilchoman in a shorter time. The whisky produced is primarily used in blend whiskies, making it a notable player in the industry.

1. The distillery closed during World War II, from 1941 -
1945, because of wartime restrictions on the supply of
barley to distillers. From then, production continued
until 1972, when the entire structure of the distillery
was demolished. A larger distillery was built in the
same original architectural style, and production
resumed in 1974. Today Coal Ilea is the distillery with
the largest production on the island. What Kilchoman
produces in a year takes Coal Ilea distillery only one
week. The distillery is often referred to as a whisky
factory and the peaty liquid is often used, for almost
90%, in blend whiskies such as Chives Regal and others.
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