I used to not notice the offensive kbb smell on initial heating but started noticing it within the last year or so. I'm not sure if my nose smell receptors are changing, if I'm just becoming a more seasoned cook, or something has changed with the charcoal. Imo the only redeeming factors for kbb is that it's cheap (especially on sale) and performers consistently. I've never started kbb and said "that smells pretty good" as it's burning, and it produces a lot of heavy ash. Other charcoal on the other hand burns with a much better aroma.