Whiskeys are aged in barrels. The inside of these barrels is often charred. The barrel provides some of the flavoring materials. It is aged for at least two years in new, charred oak barrels. These beverages can be distilled from just about any fermented mixture including potatoes, grains, etc.
Rum is made from fermented molasses or sugar cane juice.
Tequila and Mescal are distilled from pulque made from various Agave species. Brandies Brandies are distilled wines. The most famous come from France. Cognac is one type. The fermented juices of many other fruits are also distilled.