Alcoholic Smell in Soaker

First I'll say thanks to everyone for being so experienced and helpful.  I have a question.

When I soak whole grains/chops/flakes/coarse flour with water and a little yeast sometimes I get a boozy beer smell that reminds me of cleaning up after a busy night of bartending.  Stale beer.  It is rather pungent and I was wondering why this happens.  Is it normal or desirable?  Sometimes I use potato water or a little malt powder in the soaker with the yeast to give them something more to eat.