I dont think its the Sweet Tea and how dare a "Southern Boy" ever blame the tea...:stogie: I usually drink Mt. Dew with my cigar and my cousin who is as much as a noob as you usually had a Dr. Pepper but tried with the Dew and was really surprised with the different flavors he experienced with the citrus of the Dew over the caramel of the Dr. Pepper. its all an adventure as to what you enjoy and what works for you.
I think you maybe overdoing a lil on the palate maybe but i think the 70%+ rh is the real culprit...
I tried to smoke yesterday between storms and the humidity completely ruined the cigar and the experience...but this morning was sublime with 60* and 40% humidity.
Good Luck
The Troll