Sometimes the old traditional ways are the best- the 5 ounce, half coconut shell technique -- a quick swallow and a follow-up chaser of an olive (in old Hawaii, dried fish, or banana piece). It is a different way of thinking, we are drinking this not for the taste but for the mind, body, maybe spirit or soul if you follow that. By-pass the taste. In old Hawaii 'awa was the food of the gods and taro, poi, was the food of the people. Some of the old chants liken 'awa consumption as 'becoming like a god'. Over time, with good cultivars and traditional beverage the effect can be so extraordinary that the 'flavor' just is not there anymore.