Zak! Designs Ceramic Stormtrooper Mug

I love the design. It looks awesome, but it is not usable as a mug to drink from. I washed it thoroughly by hand with soap and hot water and then I proceeded to add my coffee and creamer to the mug. About halfway through it started to taste a little chalky, but I wasn't sure it was the mug. I have had a chalky taste in my throat and mouth ALL day from drinking out of this mug. I am slightly concerned for my health, but I am hoping it will go away with time. I have been drinking water, chewing gum, had lunch... nothing has removed that chalky taste from my throat and mouth. I am not sure if it is the lacquer that came off in the coffee or an area wasn't finished enough and some of the clay came out... I have no idea, but it is NOT pleasant and NOT suitable to drink out of. I will keep it as a pen holder or something because it looks cool and only cost me $6, but i cannot recommend this as a mug that is suitable to be drunk from.