Vander Mill BA Totally Roasted 4Pk

Vander Mill BA Totally Roasted 4Pk is a barrel-aged hard cider made from Michigan apples at 6.8% ABV, infused with cinnamon roasted pecans and whole vanilla beans. This seasonal release earned a Bronze Medal at the 2022 Michigan Cider Association Commercial Competition and holds a strong 3.8 rating across nearly 24,000 reviews on Untappd.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.8%  |  Origin: Grand Rapids, Michigan  |  Style: Barrel-Aged Cider  |  Producer: Vander Mill

Production & Heritage

Vander Mill produces and cans BA Totally Roasted in Grand Rapids, Michigan, using exclusively Michigan-grown apples as the cider base. The production process incorporates cinnamon roasted pecans and whole cut vanilla beans, which are added directly to the cider to build its signature flavor profile. The "BA" designation indicates barrel aging, which adds depth and complexity beyond the cidery's standard lineup, layering oak-influenced character beneath the spiced pecan and vanilla additions.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Warm cinnamon and toasted pecan greet the nose immediately, followed by a sweet vanilla backdrop. A faint apple tartness sits beneath the baking-spice aromatics, grounding the cider in its fruit base.

Taste: The entry is semi-sweet with brown sugar warmth and a pronounced cinnamon note that sweeps across the mid-palate. Roasted pecan nuttiness emerges at the center, giving the cider a rich, almost dessert-like weight. A sharp apple tartness cuts through toward the peak, preventing the sweetness from becoming cloying.

Finish: Medium in length with a lingering vanilla sweetness and a dry, tart snap at the very end. The cinnamon spice echoes faintly, leaving a clean, warm impression.

How to Drink BA Totally Roasted

Serve chilled at around 45°F to let the pecan and vanilla complexity open up without muting the apple tartness. Pouring into a tulip glass concentrates the cinnamon and vanilla aromatics for a more expressive experience.

• Cider Mule: Substitute for ginger beer in a Moscow Mule — the roasted pecan and cinnamon complement fresh lime and vodka.
• Spiced Shandy: Blend with a Belgian witbier for a half-and-half that amplifies the warm spice notes.
• Harvest Spritz: Top with sparkling water and a dash of Angostura bitters for a low-ABV autumn aperitif that highlights the vanilla and apple character.

Best For

• Autumn gatherings around a fire pit where warm spice flavors match the season
• Gifting to a craft cider enthusiast looking for something beyond standard dry or semi-sweet styles
• Thanksgiving or holiday dessert pairings where pecan pie and apple flavors already dominate the table
• Introducing bourbon or whiskey drinkers to barrel-aged cider through familiar vanilla and spice cues

Frequently Asked Questions

What does BA Totally Roasted taste like? BA Totally Roasted delivers a semi-sweet flavor profile led by cinnamon, roasted pecans, and vanilla, balanced by tart Michigan apple acidity and a touch of brown sugar warmth.

How does BA Totally Roasted compare to Blake's Hard Cider? Blake's Hard Cider produces a wide range of flavored Michigan ciders, but BA Totally Roasted distinguishes itself through barrel aging and a specific cinnamon-roasted pecan recipe that gives it a more dessert-forward, oak-touched complexity. Blake's offerings tend to lean fruitier and lighter in body by comparison.

Is BA Totally Roasted good for sipping on its own? Yes — at 6.8% ABV, it drinks smoothly chilled with enough flavor complexity from the barrel aging, pecans, and vanilla to hold attention without any mixer or garnish.

Where is BA Totally Roasted made? BA Totally Roasted is produced and canned by Vander Mill in Grand Rapids, Michigan, using apples sourced exclusively from Michigan orchards.

What foods pair well with BA Totally Roasted? Pecan pie is a natural match given the shared flavor profile. Aged cheddar or Gruyère cheese contrast the sweetness with savory depth. Smoked pork shoulder echoes the barrel and spice character. Apple-based desserts like tarte Tatin reinforce the cider's fruit foundation. Cinnamon-dusted churros mirror the warm spice notes and complement the vanilla.

What sizes does BA Totally Roasted come in? BA Totally Roasted is available as a 4-pack of cans, which is the standard retail format for this seasonal release from Vander Mill.

Is BA Totally Roasted worth the price? BA Totally Roasted positions as a premium craft cider within Vander Mill's lineup, justified by the barrel-aging process and specialty ingredients like roasted pecans and whole vanilla beans — placing it above standard flavored ciders in both complexity and value.

Why BA Totally Roasted?

The combination of barrel aging with cinnamon roasted pecans and whole vanilla beans creates a cider that occupies a genuinely uncommon niche — closer in spirit to a dessert beer or spiced mead than a typical hard cider. Its Bronze Medal at the 2022 Michigan Cider Association Commercial Competition validates the quality behind the concept. With nearly 24,000 Untappd ratings and a 3.8 average, it has earned a loyal seasonal following that speaks to consistent execution. For drinkers who find most flavored ciders one-dimensional, BA Totally Roasted delivers the layered depth that barrel contact and real whole ingredients provide.