For the Brine: In a large stockpot or container, combine the hot water, kosher salt, bourbon, 3/4 cup of the maple syrup, brown sugar, onion, bay leaves, orange peel, peppercorns, and cloves and stir until well mixed. Add the ice.
Rinse the turkey, inside and out, under cold running water. Remove giblets and discard or save for another use. Some turkeys come with a gravy packet as well; remove it before roasting the bird.
Add the turkey to the brine and refrigerate 8 to 12 hours, or overnight. Weight with a bag of ice to keep the bird submerged.
Drain and pat dry with paper towels; discard the brine.
To spatchcock the turkey: With a large knife or shears, cut the bird open along the backbone on both sides, through the ribs and remove the backbone.
Once the bird is open, split the breastbone to spread the bird flat; this will allow it to roast evenly.
Combine the melted butter and the remaining 1/4 cup of maple syrup and divide in half. Brush half of the mixture on the bird and sprinkle with Traeger Pork & Poultry Rub or salt and black pepper.
Set aside the other half of the mixture until ready to use.
When ready to cook, set the temperature to 350°F and preheat, lid closed for 15 minutes.
Roast the turkey until the internal temperature in the thickest part of the breast reaches 165°F, about 2-3 hours.
Brush with the remaining butter-maple syrup glaze the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Let the turkey rest for 15 to 20 minutes before carving. Garnish, if desired, with fresh herbs and or kumquats. Enjoy!
Notes
Note: Do not use a kosher turkey or a self-basting turkey for this recipe as they have already been enhanced with a salt-solution.
*Cook times will vary depending on set and ambient temperatures.