Gus's Sweet Potatoes with Bourbon and Pecans

I tried to recreate this dish from memory.  I've been told that it isn't exactly what Gus used to make, but that it is still good.  

6-8 sweet potatoes (less if they are very large)
1 1/4 cup brown sugar
1 stick of butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup bourbon
1/4 cup water
1 cup pecan halves, roughly chopped if desired

Boil the potatoes in salted water until just slightly tender.  Remove to colander, run cold water over them, and drain.  Peel and cut in half lengthwise, and then fit them as closely as possible into a buttered 3-quart baking dish.

Melt butter and brown sugar together in a saucepan over low heat.  Add salt, water, and bourbon.  When mixture is simmering, add pecans.  Cook until syrup thickens, about five minutes.

Pour over potatoes and bake in a 350°F oven for 1 hour.  Baste with syrup occasionally.

Laura