The taste and colour really come down to the other things in the bottle besides the active ingredient. No need to worry about it. Umbrella is the best!
I wouldn't be overly concerned about cortisol unless it becomes a trend. This is the first time you have had it tested so just make sure to include it going forward.
Good updates man. I wouldn't even bother measuring or caring about 1lb either way. You can gain/lose more than that with just water retention. Don't beat yourself up on those numbers.