To call a faint smell of something a 'hint' (of that thing) is quite normal English. A hint of lavender, of smoke, of urine, of cheese, perfume. Another very commonly used word is 'whiff'.
faint smell noun
These are words and phrases related to faint smell.
WHIFF
Synonyms
whiff, scent, odor/odour, aroma, bouquet, sniff, smell, breath, hint, trace, soupçon