For innovative brewers developing distinctive beer concepts, a pilot brewhouse provides the ideal platform to test recipes, validate market response, and refine processes before scaling up.
Redwood’s 1 BBL and 2 BBL Pilot Brewhouse Systems are engineered to deliver commercial-grade brewing performance in a compact, cost-efficient format — making them a smart entry point for pilot production and R&D brewing.
With lower capital investment, precise process control, and fully integrated electric heating, these pilot systems allow breweries, taprooms, and training facilities to experiment confidently while maintaining a clear path toward full-scale production.
Built from sanitary 304 stainless steel and delivered as pre-plumbed, trolley-mounted systems, Redwood pilot brewhouses are designed for fast installation, repeatable results, and seamless integration into existing brewery operations.
Why Choose a Redwood Pilot Brewhouse
- Cost-Effective Pilot Platform
An economical solution for recipe development, market testing, and small-batch production without the cost of a full-scale brewhouse.
- Scalable & Expansion-Ready
Designed to complement larger brewhouse systems, serving as a dedicated pilot or R&D brewhouse as your production grows.
- Precision Brewing & Process Control
Smaller batch sizes enable tight quality control, allowing brewers to fine-tune recipes, hop schedules, and fermentation profiles.
- Ideal for R&D and Yeast Propagation
Well-suited for pilot trials, yeast propagation, and process optimization, integrating smoothly with larger production facilities.
- Enhance Taproom & Innovation Programs
Supports experimental, seasonal, and limited-release beers that help taprooms and brewery brands stay creative and competitive.
Pilot Brewhouse FAQ (1 BBL & 2 BBL Systems)
Q1: Who is this pilot brewhouse designed for?
This system is designed for craft breweries, brewpubs, taprooms, training facilities, and R&D teams that need a dedicated platform for recipe development, pilot batches, yeast propagation, and process testing.
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Q2: What is the difference between a pilot brewhouse and a production brewhouse?
A pilot brewhouse focuses on small-batch brewing with precise control, allowing brewers to test and refine recipes before scaling up. It complements — rather than replaces — a full-scale production brewhouse.
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Q3: What batch sizes are available?
Redwood offers 1 BBL and 2 BBL pilot brewhouse configurations, suitable for pilot brewing, taproom experimentation, and R&D-scale production.
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Q4: Is this system suitable for commercial beer production?
Yes. While designed for pilot and R&D use, the system is commercial-grade and can be used for limited taproom releases, seasonal beers, or specialty batches.
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Q5: How does this pilot system integrate with a larger brewery?
The pilot brewhouse integrates seamlessly with larger systems and is commonly used for recipe scaling, yeast propagation, hop trials, and process validation before full-scale production.
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Q6: Is the pilot brewhouse fully electric?
Yes. The system features integrated electric heating elements for both the kettle and hot liquor tank, providing efficient, precise temperature control without the need for gas utilities.
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Q7: What level of automation and control does the system offer?
The brewhouse includes a mounted control cabinet with temperature monitoring, pump control, heating control, and emergency stop functionality — offering reliability and ease of operation without unnecessary complexity.
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Q8: Does the system include pumps and a heat exchanger?
Yes. Each system includes dedicated HLT and hot wort pumps, as well as a plate heat exchanger (PHE) sized appropriately for the 1 BBL or 2 BBL configuration.
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Q9: How long does installation take?
The pilot brewhouse is pre-fabricated and pre-plumbed. Installation is typically quick, requiring only utility connections (power, water, drainage) before commissioning.
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Q10: Can this system be customized?
Yes. Redwood offers customization options including tank sizes, heating configurations, skid layout, instrumentation, and control features to match your brewing workflow and space requirements.
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Q11: Is this system suitable for training or educational use?
Absolutely. The compact size, clear process flow, and manual control features make it ideal for brewing education, training programs, and demonstration brewing.
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Q12: What support does Redwood provide after installation?
Redwood provides technical support, spare parts availability, and engineering assistance to ensure long-term system reliability and performance.
