Pitching dregs into a fermenting batch

[mccann51]

Hi, all.

I have a sour stout fermenting that I brewed and pitched last Tuesday with Wyeast 3278 Lambic Blend. I just bought a bottle of Jolly Pumpkin La Roja and was interested in pitching the dregs to give the brew a little more character. Is this a worthless endeavor? Will the dregs just got out-competed by the already established Sacch, Brett, and bacteria?

 

[Mustangj]

I did this. I brewed just before new years with Wyeast 3278 and added Maracaibo Especial about two weeks ago. I'm already starting to taste the flavors. I made a starter with the dregs and added when I kegged.

This was about 8hr after pitching the dregs.

 

[RJSkypala]

Do it. I added some JP dregs to a cider and its already starting to get some of that JP character.

 

[ejbru]

My experience with Jolly Pumpkin dregs has been that they are very strong. I personally like their beers so I am always happy to have that character, but be prepared, they may dominate the other flavors.

 

[mccann51]

I don't have room in my carboy for a starter, unfortunately; are the raw dregs gonna do okay with the established yeast and bacteria populations?

 

[Mustangj]

You should be fine,JP dregs are hungry!! Leave them in the carboy for atleast a month.

 

[mccann51]

Okay, pitch I will. Thanks!

 

[mccann51]

I did end up pitching the dregs, along with the dregs from an Ithaca Brewing Co White Gold (very delicious beer, btw). I threw about 1-2oz of dregs into a 12oz beer bottle with 8oz of tap water, 1oz of brown sugar, and 1/4 tsp Fermaid K. I let sit by the heater for about 24 hours and then pitched.

I tried the brew, and there's some definite sourness (though very subtle). I was wondering how necessary oxygen was for the souring and funking? I know Brett utilizes it, and it's toxic to Pedio, but how does it come into play with the aging? I aerated the brew for about a week, but then stopped. Currently it has a rubber cork with airlock on it, holding a hop bag of oak (so not a perfect seal). Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.