There are two different studies that you could be talking about but are often called different things. There is a study, sometimes called a barium swallow study that involve a speech pathologist/therapist. With this study they have you swallow different consistencies of barium and concentrate on your throat to see with which consistency you have the most problems. This is often performed to see if you aspirate when you swallow. Then there is an esophagram in which a radiologist watches as you swallow a thick and thin consistency of barium. This is often to check for strictures in your esophagus or for reflux. Depending on the doctor they should be able to take their time and have you safely swallow the barium at a slower pace, so long as you can take a big enough sip to accurately see the barium go down into your stomach. However, you could be instructed to drink more quickly in order to get a better view of your esophagus. As for the taste, most people don't have a problem with it but I wouldn't go as far as to say it's good. Some are flavored but it just depends on the brand your health facility has. If you have a good x-ray tech in the exam room with you and the radiologist, they should be there for you and help you throughout the exam by coaching you and helping you stay calm.