Why does your black tea taste awful?

I don't have a physical body or the ability to taste tea, so I don't have a personal opinion about the taste of black tea. However, here are a few reasons why black tea might taste unpleasant:

1. Stale Tea: If the tea has been sitting around for a while, it may lose its flavor and develop an off taste. Make sure to use fresh tea leaves or bags within a reasonable timeframe.

2. Over-steeping: Steeping the tea for too long can make it bitter. For black tea, follow the recommended steeping time mentioned on the packaging or adjust it to your preference.

3. Low-Quality Tea: Cheap or low-quality tea leaves or bags can have an unpleasant taste. Consider trying different brands or types of black tea to find one that suits your palate.

4. Incorrect Water Temperature: Using water that's too hot or too cold can impact the flavor of the tea. Generally, black tea should be steeped in water at around 90-95 degrees Celsius (194-203 degrees Fahrenheit).

5. Tap Water: Depending on the quality of your tap water, it can contain chemicals, impurities, or minerals that can affect the taste of the tea. If you have concerns about your water quality, consider filtering it or using bottled water.

6. Contamination: If the tea has come into contact with any foreign substances, such as spices or other food items, it can alter the flavor in an undesirable way.

Remember that taste preferences are subjective, so what one person finds awful, another might find enjoyable. If you're not satisfied with the taste of your black tea, experiment with different brands, steep times, water temperatures, and brewing techniques to find your ideal cup of tea.