Full of seasonal flavors like ginger, allspice, apple and sage, Alton Browns brined Good Eats Roast Turkey is an instant Thanksgiving classic. If you really want a flavorful turkey with juicy white and dark meats, it's going to take a little time...but it's worth it.
Roast the turkey on lowest level of the oven at 500 degrees F for 30 minutes. Insert a probe thermometer into thickest part of the breast and reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Set the thermometer alarm (if available) to 161 degrees F. A 14 to 16 pound bird should require a total of 2 to 2 1/2 hours of roasting.
These may be saved for gravy. Place turkey in brine breast side up. If turkey floats, fill a 1-gallon resealable plastic bag with water and place it on top of turkey. Set cooler, lid closed, in a cool place, turning turkey over once if possible, 8–12 hours.
In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, brown sugar, ground ginger, and ground allspice. Rub the mixture all over the turkey including inside the cavity.