El Silencio — Marta & José Florez

Finca El Silencio is located in the high-altitude region of Urrao, Antioquia, Colombia. The farm is managed by José Yorley Flores, a second-generation coffee grower, and his wife, Marta. The couple purchased the property approximately 24 years ago, driven by a commitment to farming as a way of life. While Marta brought experience from her upbringing in the coffee-producing region of Betania, José learned the trade after they settled in Urrao, eventually shifting their focus toward specialty coffee production with the guidance of local neighbors.

The farm spans 7 hectares of land, with 1 hectare specifically dedicated to the cultivation of the Chiroso variety. This variety, which has been identified as an Ethiopian landrace, is noted for its performance at high elevations. At Finca El Silencio, the Chiroso trees are grown at an altitude of 2,050 meters above sea level, a factor that contributes to the density and structural characteristics of the coffee produced there.

Quality control is a central pillar of the farm's operations. Marta plays a primary role in the harvest, overseeing the picking of cherries at peak ripeness, as well as the subsequent processing and drying stages. The processing method for their washed lots involves floating the cherries to remove defects, followed by de-pulping on the same day as harvest. The beans then undergo an extended underwater fermentation period, which has been documented as lasting up to six days.

This meticulous approach to processing and harvesting has resulted in a coffee profile often described as having excellent density and a structured character. Sensory notes associated with their Chiroso lots have included gooseberry, lemongrass, lychee, and chamomile. These attributes have made their coffee a notable example of the potential of the Chiroso variety when cultivated under specific high-altitude conditions in Antioquia.

The farm serves as a family project, though the couple's two children, Sergio and Milena, have pursued careers in the city. Despite this, they maintain a connection to the farm, returning to visit their parents. The farm's name, El Silencio, reflects the tranquil environment of the Urrao landscape, which has become a point of interest for roasters and importers seeking high-quality, traceable lots from the region.

Since 2023, the farm has gained visibility through partnerships with specialty roasters who highlight the specific contributions of Marta and José Florez. By focusing on a single variety and refining their post-harvest techniques, the producers have established a reputation for consistency. Their work illustrates the broader trend in Colombian specialty coffee, where smallholder producers leverage specific varieties and rigorous processing to differentiate their output in the global market.