Must one make a bracha on fragrances just as on foods, or is it not an absolute obligation but just a mitzva?
Answer:
If one smells a fragrance with intent of enjoying it, there is an obligation to make a berachah just like on foods.
Often, one smells a scent by mistake, which doesn’t happen concerning food, hence the different “mindset” of berachos for scent than for food.
However, where a person smells with intent of enjoying the scent, the obligation of the berachah is the same as for food.
Best wishes.