How VOLQ produces 300 L per month with a Brewtools microbrewery

From homebrewing to microbrewery: the rise of VOLQ

In Congénies, in the Gard region, the VOLQ microbrewery has been brewing since September 2025. Behind this project is Matthieu Filippini, a food engineer and passionate craft brewer, known by many homebrewers under the name mfibeers.

Matthieu discovered brewing in 2022, in his garage. He chained together 20‑liter batches, explored very different styles, adjusted his recipes, tested ideas. In three years, he produced nearly 70 batches, always with the same drive: understand, improve, share.

From the very beginning, he documented everything on Instagram. His photos, his very distinctive visual identity, and his consistency quickly created an active community. Exchanges were numerous, feedback constructive, and his beers circulated within the homebrewing scene. This dynamic led him to participate in several competitions, where his creations were regularly rewarded (4 first places, 2 second places, and 4 third places).

These results confirmed his level and encouraged him to take a step forward: moving from the garage to a microbrewery, while keeping his philosophy of exploration and creativity.

Matthieu then launched a crowdfunding campaign (Ulule) which very quickly exceeded its goals. Driven by this enthusiasm, the VOLQ project became reality.

VOLQ: a microbrewery rooted in the Vaunage

The name VOLQ is no coincidence. It pays tribute to the Volques, a Celtic people who occupied the Vaunage plain and founded the city of Nîmes. Matthieu wanted a name that was simple, strong, and connected to his territory.

The microbrewery was set up in Congénies, in a former concierge building that was completely renovated. The place now hosts a 300‑liter production unit, a direct‑sales counter, and a space dedicated to monthly launches of new beers.

The VOLQ range is built around two types of beers:

• a permanent Blonde Ale,
• a hopped beer (rotating style depending on inspiration and ingredients: Cold IPA, Session NEIPA…)

To this, a monthly limited‑edition beer is added. Matthieu likes to play with the seasons, available ingredients, and current themes: a pumpkin beer for Halloween, a blackberry sour in September… VOLQ moves forward with creativity, but always with rigor.

Find the VOLQ brewery in the “Brassam à pro” series available on the @Beer_Discover channel (Instagram, YouTube…).

The equipment: a 150 L Brewtools setup (300 L/month production)

To move from the garage to the microbrewery, Matthieu chose a Brewtools setup, entirely supplied by Rolling Beers. A coherent, professional, and automated system, ideal for producing 150‑liter batches with regularity and precision.

Brewtools B150 – The heart of the production

The B150 brewhouse is at the center of the setup. It offers fast heating, precise control of temperature steps, efficient circulation, and easy cleaning. For a brewer increasing capacity, it is a reliable, ergonomic tool designed to last.

The B150 allows Matthieu to brew 150 L recipes with great consistency, while preserving the brewing philosophy he has developed since 2022.

Brewtools steam lid + condenser – Comfort and hygiene

In a microbrewery of this size, managing steam is essential. The Brewtools steam hat, equipped with its condenser, prevents excessive humidity, protects the walls, and improves brewing comfort.

Digiboil 65 L

To accompany his Brewtools B150 Pro, Matthieu uses a 65‑liter Digiboil as a sparge water kettle. A very relevant choice for a microbrewery in its launch phase: the Digiboil offers an economical, robust, and immediately operational solution for managing hot sparge water.

Thanks to its fast heating and comfortable volume, it allows:

• to prepare sparge water at a stable temperature,
• to secure the necessary volumes for 150‑liter batches,
• to simplify the organization of the hot side without heavy investment.

The Digiboil is often used by advanced homebrewers, but it fits perfectly in a small professional setup: reliable, modular, and easy to clean, it is an ideal and economical solution for productions of this size.

2 × Brewtools F150 – Professional isobaric fermentation

The F150 fermenters ensure clean and controlled fermentation. They allow:

• pressure fermentation,
• cold‑crashing,
• temperature control,
• CIP cleaning,
• and impeccable hygiene.

With two tanks, Matthieu can manage several recipes in parallel, maintain his rotation, and regularly offer a limited‑edition beer. These two 150‑liter units allow VOLQ to produce 300 L of beer per month.

G20 glycol chiller – Thermal control

The G20 glycol chiller ensures thermal control of the fermenters. It allows regular fermentations, efficient cold crashes, and optimal aromatic stability.

Warning: The manufacturer has recently replaced this model with the JoinTech G20 Glycol Chiller – 2 Pumps, a technical equivalent that provides the same performance.

Hop Drop 4″

The Hop Drop allows adding hops during fermentation without oxygen, without opening the tank, and without any risk of contamination.
The wide opening of the F150 fermenters allows adding a large quantity of hops.

Oxebar kegs – Light and practical conditioning

For conditioning, Matthieu uses Oxebar kegs. They are light, easy to handle, and perfectly suited for direct sales and local events. A practical solution for a 150‑liter microbrewery.

FaciliTap counter‑pressure bottler

For bottles, Matthieu uses a FaciliTap, a compact and reliable counter‑pressure bottler. It limits oxidation and allows clean conditioning of both permanent and limited‑edition beers.

How this equipment structures VOLQ’s production

The entire setup allows Matthieu to:

• professionalize his hygiene,
• master his aromatic profiles,
• produce clean and consistent beers,
• offer a limited‑edition beer every month,
• optimize his space,
• and preserve his brewing philosophy.

VOLQ moves forward with rigor, but also with a real desire to share. It is a microbrewery that relies on technique, yet remains deeply human.

Matthieu’s words

Brewing started as a passion in my garage, with the desire to explore styles and share my experiments on mfibeers. VOLQ allows me to keep that same philosophy, but with a 150‑liter microbrewery rooted in the Vaunage. I want to continue offering varied recipes, interacting with the community, and introducing my universe to those who stop by Congénies.

The VOLQ Pack – Available at Rolling Beers

To support future microbrewers, we have gathered all the equipment used by Matthieu into a complete pack:

• Brewtools B180 2 × 230V power 6.6 kW
• 2 × Brewtools F150
• Lifting winch
• Digiboil 65 L
• Brewtools steam lid + condenser
• JoinTech G20 glycol chiller – 2 Pumps
• Oxebar kegs
• 2 × Hop Drop 4″
• FaciliTap bottler

A pack designed for 300 L/month microbreweries, local structures, and very advanced homebrewers who wish to take the leap.

Conclusion: a microbrewery born from passion and community

VOLQ embodies the transition between homebrewing, technical rigor, and professionalization. With a coherent Brewtools setup and a strong identity, Matthieu creates a place of sharing, creativity, and discovery, rooted in the Vaunage.

And for homebrewers, discover the Cold IPA recipe by VOLQ. This beer was actually on the podium at the Rolling Beers 2025 homebrewing competition.