Have any of you tried the SkinCeuticals C & E Ferulic serum?

I've heard great things about this product and SkinCeuticals. From reading reviews, I've heard it has an unpleasant smell at first, but subsides quickly.

Since I have sensitive skin and did not want to plunk down the hefty sum and then have a skin reaction, I got a sample to try.  The main question I have about the product is  - what does the smell/odor of the product smell like to you?   The smell to me reminds me of a " smoked bacon" or some type of smokey flavor they use for foods (along with a bit of medicinal smell). Did anyone sense the same kind of smell?

The main reason I ask this is I want to make sure the sample I was given has not gone bad.  The smell does dissappear quickley, and so far (knock on wood....) no bad reactions.

I appreciate any shared experiences!  Thanks!!!