Whiskey is made from a fermented mash derived from grains such as corn, rye, wheat, or barley. The choice and proportion of these grains influence the flavor and style of the whiskey. After fermentation, the mash is distilled and aged in wooden barrels, which adds depth and character. This combination of grains, fermentation, distillation, and barrel aging is what gives whiskey its distinctive taste and variety across different traditions and regions.