Read rest of the answer. Hereof, why does elderberry smell bad?
Uncooked elderberries are poisonous, so you have to cook them to eat them. People don't really eat them, but elderberries were commonly made into wine or other kinds of liquor. So if someone smells like elderberries, they've probably been hitting the bottle pretty hard.
Also, how do you dry elderberries? Give the colander a stir and a shake when you have a chance. You are simply reducing the moisture content to help your elderberries dry faster without molding. Spread the berries out in a single layer on a drying tray. Place them in a warm spot and allow them to dry for a few days.
Keeping this in view, can dried elderberries go bad?
How to Store Dried Elderberries. The dried elderberry is meant to be shelf stable meaning no refrigeration is necessary. Dried elderberries will be good for many years but are slightly better if used within the first year.
What does elderberry taste like?
Fresh, ripe elderberries can be tart, tangy or bitter. American elderberries are definitely the sweetest variety, however, elderberries do not have the same level of sweetness as more palatable varieties, such as blackberries or raspberries. Most people consider elderberries too bland, bitter or astringent to eat raw.