Chimay Cinq Cents vs St. Bernardus Tripel: Which Should You Drink?

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Chimay Cinq Cents

Bières de Chimay

Belgium · Belgian Tripel

hopIQ rank #2253

65%

Overall similarity

side by side, across 56 flavour tags

St. Bernardus Tripel

Brouwerij St. Bernardus

Belgium · Belgian Tripel

HOPIQ TAKE

Chimay Cinq Cents if you want a tripel that feels like a meditation, St. Bernardus Tripel if you want one that feels like a conversation. Both hit 8% ABV and 30 IBU identically on paper, but they're built on different brewing philosophies—Chimay leans contemplative and restrained, while St. Bernardus is more expressive and fruit-forward. Neither is better; it's about what kind of evening you're having.

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WHEN TO CHOOSE WHICH

Pick Chimay Cinq Cents when…

→When you're reading, thinking, or having a quiet conversation—this beer doesn't demand attention
→If you prefer restraint and complexity over fruit-forward intensity
→Late evening when you want something substantial but contemplative

Pick St. Bernardus Tripel when…

→When the energy in the room is social and you want a beer that matches it
→If you love Belgian yeast character and want it upfront, not subtle
→Earlier in the evening when you're still settling in

SIDE BY SIDE

	Chimay Cinq Cents	St. Bernardus Tripel
ABV	8%	8%
Bitterness	Noticeably bitter	Noticeably bitter
Colour	Golden	Golden
Style	Belgian Tripel	Belgian Tripel
Origin	Belgium	Belgium

WHAT IT TASTES OF

7 shared · 8 distinct

Both beers

citrusyspicyfloraldryherbalboozycrisp

Only Chimay Cinq Cents

peach

STRUCTURE — HOW IT'S BUILT

Chimay Cinq CentsSt. Bernardus Tripel

Bitterness

Body

TASTING NOTES

Chimay Cinq Cents

CitrusyPeachDry

Chimay Cinq Cents has this hushed quality—the Belgian yeast is there, but it whispers rather than shouts. You get soft stone fruit and a honeyed grain backbone that feels almost austere for a tripel. The finish is dry and slightly peppery, like it's asking you to slow down. There's an elegance here that rewards sipping, not rushing.

St. Bernardus Tripel

FruitySpicyFloral

St. Bernardus Tripel comes at you with immediate presence—ripe pear, subtle banana, and a touch of candied spice that announces itself. It's still refined, but there's more vibrancy in the middle, more texture on your palate. The sweetness is more apparent, and the alcohol sits warmer in your chest. It feels generous in a way Chimay doesn't.

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