It took a few sips before the flavors started to balance out and the bite to calm. I usually take my breakfast teas with cream, sometimes sugar, but I have gone through half this cup without so far. It has a slight sweetness on the sip along with a slightly astringent tobacco flavor that fades into a malty aftertaste. Adding cream is really changing this! My first sip tasted sweet and was reminiscent of cookies. A slight hint of banana at the beginning of the sip than lingers into the aftertaste… unexpected, but I like it. I’m not getting heavy malt like I’m used to with breakfast teas, but it is a very enjoyable cup.