New England Clam Chowder

Name: New England Clam Chowder
Ingredients: 1 lb. russet potatoes, peeled, cut into ½ pieces; 3 8-oz. bottles clam juice; 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter; 3 bacon slices, finely chopped; 2 medium onions, finely chopped (about 2 cups); 2 large celery stalks, finely chopped (about 1¼ cups); 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 bay leaf; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 6 6.5-oz. cans chopped clams, drained, juices reserved; 1¼ cups half-and-half; 1 tsp. hot sauce; Kosher salt, freshly ground pepper