For those of you who grew up on a dairy...you will know what I mean. I used to feed the baby calves this dry powder mixed with water every day. I have never forgot the smell. I smell it on a daily basis again. Protein powder smells JUST like the powder milk we used to feed the calves...lol.
Several posters have suggested making the shake in a covered cup and drinking with a straw, as a way to hide the smell. I haven't tried that myself, but I figured this was a good place to mention it.