They definitely stink, but only on the outside. These things taste amazingly good! Like really expensive pork, but it's red meat. I butchered this one myself this time and honestly there is absolutely zero smell to the meat. Good or bad. I kept the back straps and tenderloins (which are about the size of a small hot dog) for the cast iron with butter and sage. I also kept two of the rear hams for the slow cooker. The rest of the meat is now Italian sausage and chorizo.. Yum yum!