Yes, a new sourdough starter will go through several phases of strange and awful smells before it settles down to a consistent yummy sour yeastiness. Personall

Yes, a new sourdough starter will go through several phases of strange and awful smells before it settles down to a consistent yummy sour yeastiness. Personally I'd question whether its worth even bothering with a dry powder starter, I just make mine with flour (mix of rye and wheat) and filtered water. The yeast is either present in the flour or is picked up naturally from the air.