For UL applications, Esbit is my fuel of choice next to little sticks and twigs. The smell never bothered me and it's more efficient than alcohol. Soot is soot and rubs off in the grass, so no big deal. I'd rather carry a dozen Esbit tabs (each can be broken into forths) than liquid fuel.
I've got a handful of alky stoves, including on of my own design, but I rarely use them.