There's no denying the appeal of a good cigar.

The U.S. imports over 315 million premium cigars per year. Just like nearly everything else in life, there is certain etiquette you should follow if you are going to buy and smoke a cigar.

It doesn't matter if you're a total newbie or a full-on aficionado. As a cigar smoker, you're expected to know the in's and out's of these time-honored traditions.

To make yourself look like a pro, check out the cigar etiquette do's and don'ts. Read on to learn more.

Buy Where You Smoke

This is one of the most essential pieces of cigar etiquette. Yet it's frequently ignored by newbies and veterans alike.

You should always buy from the shop where you're smoking. It's a sign of disrespect to bring an outside cigar into a shop if you plan on smoking there. Bringing an outside cigar is like bringing your own food to a restaurant.

Buying a cigar is half the fun. Cigar shop employees will help you find the right cigar for your preference.

There's nothing wrong with smoking at home. Invite your smoking circle to your house if you want to enjoy that premium cigar you bought a while ago.

Hold Your Cigar Correctly

One of the easiest ways to tell the difference between a rookie and a veteran is to watch how they hold their cigar.

Most newbies don't know that you should hold your cigar between your index finger and your thumb. The natural inclination is to hold the cigar between your index finger and your middle finger like a cigarette.

There's no real reason for this piece of etiquette. But make sure you hold your cigar correctly if you want to look like a pro.

Don't Stub Out Your Cigar

It's always best to let your cigar die a natural death.

You're never supposed to stub out your cigar when you finish. Stubbing out your cigar can result in a huge wave of bad smells. Instead, you should leave your cigar on an ashtray to slowly die out.

You should also finish your cigar at the right time. Only smoke your cigar until one half or one-third remains. Smoking any further is harsh on your lungs.

Don't Let Another Man Light Your Cigar

This is the golden rule of cigar smoking.

You should never let another man light your cigar no matter the circumstance. You can always ask for a cutter or matches. But when it comes time to light, you should handle the heavy lifting.

Don't Wet Your Cigar

Many men enjoy a drink (or two) while they smoke their cigar. But you should never wet your cigar.

You should also take care not to bite or lick your cigar. Keep it as dry and compact as possible for an optimal smoking experience.

Remove the Band

You may be proud of that band that says "OpusX" But you can't leave it on your cigar forever.

Remove the band after you light your cigar. The band will warm up and is easy to remove. Many smokers forget this step but it remains common etiquette.

Your Cigar Etiquette

Are you ready to put your training to good use? We can help. Show off your cigar etiquette by checking out our full selection of cigars today!