First of all, let's define gourmet. There are about as many definitions of gourmet as there are dictionaries. This is the best one to describe gourmet in my opinion. Involving or purpose to involve high-quality or exotic ingredients and skilled preparation. Gourmet coffee is traditionally derived from the beans of coffee Arabica. However, "Arabica" beans, as they are more commonly known, produce gourmet coffee. It is the specific region where they are grown that will determine their worthiness to be labeled "gourmet." Gourmet coffee is grown in parts of the world where the climate is perfect for nurturing outstanding coffee beans. The best beans come from altitudes of more than 3,000 feet where it is cool, moist and frost free and are only found in tropical and subtropical climates. The microclimates in these areas produce coffees that have unique flavors. The higher the plant, the more likely that it will produce gourmet-quality beans .