When you’re planning a milestone anniversary event for your Dorchester newspaper, it only makes sense to turn to the people who have built their business and brand around the Dorchester name, too.

So when Reporter publisher Bill Forry, approached Matt Malloy and his team at Dorchester Brewing Company last fall about mounting a unique collaboration to mark the Reporter’s 40th anniversary this month, the folks at DBCo. were eager to link up.

“The Reporter’s staff have spent plenty of time at DBCo. over the years, and celebrated special events there,” said Forry. “And we are huge fans of the way they’ve elevated the Dorchester brand across the city and region with their signature brews. Like us, they’re proud of our hometown and we’re proud of them for putting Dot on the map in a positive way.”

With Malloy’s blessing, the Reporter enlisted a talented artist — Andrew Houle— to create a signature, Reporter-themed label that now adorns a limited-edition can that was produced just in time for the Reporter’s 40th anniversary this week. Forry and Houle worked together on the concept for the can, which includes the classic, Reporter “flag” that was published on the inaugural cover of the Reporter in Sept. 1983. Alumni and staff of the Reporter pitched in some ideas and selected iconic Dorchester scenes to include as well: the National Grid gas tank with the world-famous Corita Kent rainbow swash; a three-decker scene; and, of course, the MBTA Red Line chugging its way through the neighborhood. Houle hand-painted each element, resulting in a one- of-a-kind collage that is destined to be a treasured Dorchester collectible.

The limited edition Reporter 40th cans— which contain the popular Golden Ale beer— are not for sale. They will be distributed to sponsors and guests at a special event this month.

The Reporter labels on the DBCo. assembly line last week.