The ones I grew this year were so fragrant I could not keep a cut stalk in the house. Maybe where you are the heat bakes them and makes them less fragrant?

The strength of the fragrance does vary with some varieties not as pronounced as others. I can't recall which varieties are most fragrant but I seem to remember that Carnegie (white)is good.

mine are deep blue and the bees LOVE to visit them every year

Is it possible they were English or Spanish hyacinths? They would have had a 12 to 18 inch spire with little bells dangling down the sides. Though called hyacinths, they are not Dutch hyacinths. Dutch hyacinths are fragrant. Spanish are not.

The regular ones (not the festivals) are definitely Dutch. I'm going to try some Carnegie next year - I've seen it recommended as fragrant in a few places.

I've never met a (true) hyacinth that wasn't fragrant.

Maybe purchase potted ones that are fragrant and start them that way. They should be commonly available in spring at florists and nurseries.