I know it was because he smokes because the foul smell smelled like the bottom of a stale ashtray. A former smoker never forgets that smell. Yuck!
Again - totally subjective.
I guess it is all a mater of perspective, none of the former smokers I know have a problem with the smell, most, in fact rather enjoy it. And not a one of them has turned into an anti-smoker nanny statist.