Forbes.com has released its 2009 “America’s Most Livable Cities” list, and Portland, ME has earned the top slot. The list was compiled by assigning points to cities around the country with populations in excess of 500,000 (the Portland metropolitan area has 513,000), based on such factors as leisure index and crime data from Sperling’s Best Places, cost of living and five-year income growth per household, and yearly unemployment figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Portland’s easygoing quality of life is praised in the April 1 feature. Forbes.com writer Zack O’Malley Greenburg singles out the small-batch ales and ambiance offered at Gritty McDuff’s Brewing Company (www.grittys.com) as one highlight contributing to Portland’s laid-back atmosphere.

“The beer at Gritty McDuff’s might be enough to lure people to Portland, ME,” he writes. “Established in 1988, the downtown pub offers a smattering of small-batch ales brewed on the premises in addition to usual tavern treats. From the patio, customers can enjoy a pint along cobblestone streets or retire to the copper-topped bar for a second round.”

Gritty McDuff’s recently released its newest craft brew, 21 IPA, in celebration of the brew pub’s 21st year of brewing award-winning British-style ales in Portland. “We’re proud of our city, and have loved life in Portland for decades now,” noted Gritty’s Publican Richard Pfeffer. “There are so many solid reasons why people choose to settle in and around Portland. The quality of life here – the change of seasons, the mix of people, the variety of entertainment offerings – are, in my mind, unmatched.”

Since its founding in 1988, Gritty McDuff’s – Maine’s first brew pub since Prohibition – has brewed creative, quality beers that have earned awards ranging from repeat First Place wins at the annual Real Ale Festival in Chicago, to Gritty’s most recent award: a Silver Medal at the prestigious Great British Beer Festival for Gritty’s cask-conditioned version of its popular 21 IPA. Gritty’s Brew Pubs continue to rack up titles in statewide polls, as well, including “Maine’s Best Brew Pub,” “Best Maine Microbrew,” and “Best Bar.”

Characterized by The Boston Globe as “a legend among New England brew pubs,” Gritty’s has been named an Editor’s Pick by Condé Nast Traveler’s Concierge.com. Mobil Travel Guide also recommends Gritty McDuff’s to travelers: “Although this seat-yourself brew pub offers handcrafted beer that is famous throughout New England, beer lovers aren’t the only ones welcome here. Many families frequent this casual spot for its great pub menu.”

In addition to Gritty’s, other food, beverage and hospitality businesses in and around Portland are major draws to locals and travelers alike, and have been earning national accolades in their own right. Among them is nearby Cinque Terre restaurant, which serves fresh, seasonal produce from its own Grand View Farm, and recently was named to the Epicurious list of “Top 10 Farm-to-Table Restaurants in the U.S.A.” Cinque Terre and Executive Chef/Co-Owner Lee Skawinski have attracted attention from such outlets as Gourmet, USA TODAY, and The Washington Post.

In neighboring Scarborough, ME, The Black Point Inn, which attracts guests as much for its scenic cocktail social hours and cuisine as for its lodging, was named last year to National Geographic Traveler’s inaugural “Stay List”; the list featured properties around the world that best represent an “authentic sense of place.”

And in Freeport, ME, a 20-minute drive from Portland, Maine’s own Cold River Vodka – named “The Best American Vodka” by spirits expert F. Paul Pacult – is earning a steady stream of national and international awards and reviews. The super-premium, triple-distilled, gluten-free vodka – made from Maine potatoes – was named earlier this year to Wine Enthusiast’s prestigious list of “Top 50 Spirits” (earning a near-perfect score in the process), and earned a double gold at the 2008 World Spirits Competition in San Francisco.

You Might Also Find These Interesting:

• Gritty McDuff’s Wins Two Hospitality Awards
• Gritty’s Halloween Ale on Shelves in August
• Gritty’s Updates Gritty Dozen Variety Pack
• Gritty McDuff’s Releases 21 IPA to Launch Its 21st Year
• Summer Starts April 1st at Gritty McDuff’s