Mashed Maple Bourbon Sweet Potatoes

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6 pounds sweet potatoes

1 lemon, zested and juiced

3 tablespoons pure maple syrup

2 tablespoons light brown sugar

3 tablespoons bourbon

8 tablespoons butter, at room temperature

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon white pepper

Pecan Crumb Topping, optional

Pecan Crumb Topping:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper

Pinch dried thyme

1/2 cup chopped pecans

5 tablespoons butter, chilled and cut into bits