Talisker is from Skye, farther north than Islay.
I died and went to Heaven, actually Islay, last September, and toured several of my favorite distilleries there.
The island is rather small, but has eight distilleries on it! The whiskies are all characterized by their smokey flavor, which often pleasantly surprises those who claim not to like whisky.
Each of the distilleries is situated right on the ocean, at the mouth of a stream. Islay is covered in peat, and as the water percolates through it, it takes on the dark color of that material. When you first see it, you might think the water looks polluted.
The distillery with one of the most stunning views anywhere is Coal Ila. It sits right across from Jura, with three 2500' mountains (the Paps of Jura) that rise right out of the ocean across the sound between Islay and Jura. If I ever win Powerball, I'm buying the place, and the drinks will be on me.
You can only get to Islay via a ferry or by air. If you're into remote, unspoiled areas, like your whisky, into Celtic culture, and enjoy 12 mile long beaches with not a sole to be seen anywhere, you should make it a stop next time you're globetrotting.
The way you make it sound makes me want to hop a jetliner and spend a week or two there. Some day when I can afford it, I intend to do just that.
L