In one embodiment, an alkyl ester production system can comprise: a first transesterification reactor comprising a liquid biomass inlet located between a liquid glycerol outlet and a liquid alkyl ester outlet, a water wash vessel comprising an alkyl ester inlet, a water inlet located near a top of the water wash vessel, and a washed alkyl ester outlet located near the top of the water wash vessel, wherein the alkyl ester inlet is located near a bottom of the water wash vessel, and a drier comprising a washed alkyl ester inlet located near a top of the drier, and a gas inlet and a dried alkyl ester outlet located near the bottom of the drier. The first transesterification reactor can be configured for laminar flow and for liquid reactants and products. The alkyl ester inlet can be in fluid communication with the washed alkyl ester outlet.