Frequent readers of this page, which means, well, everyone - know that we here at Club Hop HQ are partial to events with a tipplin' focus, be they festivals, tastings, promotions or impromptu gatherings beneath a bridge with a few acquaintances. If the spirits are a-flowin', we're a-goin'.

Which is why you can expect to find us living in a pup tent near Boulder's Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery throughout February, aka Stout Month. That's right: The Mountain Sun (along with its sister bar in Denver, the Vine Street Pub on 1700 Vine St.) will dedicate a whoppin' 10 taps to this dark and noble style. Among the featured selections are such local favorites as Great Divide's Oak Aged Imperial Yeti (yeee-ow!) and house-brewed varieties such as the intriguingly-named Nihilist and the Belgian Dip Chocolate Stout.

Just in case you need an extra push, here are Five Reasons to Get Stout:

1 Because it beats the metaphorical pants off "Watery American Lager Month."

2 Fans of jammy bluegrass music won't be able to resist the Yonder Mountain Stout.

3 A Young's Double Chocolate Stout - all the way in from Merry Olde England - may not be calorie-free, but it is still better for you than eating an entire bag of conversation hearts. Although you'll have to tip well if you want UR MINE spelled out on the foam.

4 Because they loaded a stout - the Trickster - with hops. And, because hops are what make most people enjoy beer (science says so!), that's a double pour of rad.

5 It's almost Valentine's Day. Why spend any money on candy or flowers? Love is an illusion, a falsehood. Drink beer instead.

The Mountain Sun Pub & Brewery is located at 1535 Pearl St., Boulder.