I can only speak from my interaction/experience with the A's I've known - yeah, they seemed to prefer vodka. My guess is they think it doesn't smell because it is flavorless and mixes with just about anything. Lack of distinctive flavor = no smell coming from the A. I found the contrary to be true; exAH drank vodka and reeked. I thought it was my bias, until his boss called me to tell me coworkers were complaining and exAH he was being put on probation due to the complaints.
My gf's AH drinks a cheapo brand that comes in big plastic jugs. It costs him $13 for the "big-gulp" size at the local state store. Last time I visited them, he told me quite straight-faced that the stuff was quite good. I didn't say a word, but I was thinking, "My gosh, I'd hate to even think of the hangover that rot gut would give me!!"
