I asked my wife who is one to complain about smells. She doesn't mind the smell either. However, there is a slight odour when burning it.

I am back now and the Esbit worked out great. I went through a fair bit of it though. The trouble is, I like my tea really really hot and I was probabley at 6000 feet with fairly cold water to begin with.

As for blackening the pot. Like the man said a little scrubbing with the green thingy took care of it in a hurry.

Howie