Espresso isn't a type of coffee bean—it's a brewing method. Espresso is made by forcing hot water under high pressure (about 9 bars) through finely ground, compacted coffee, extracting concentrated flavor in 25-30 seconds. This creates a small, intense shot with rich crema on top. Regular coffee (drip, pour-over, French press) uses coarser grounds and longer brew times at normal atmospheric pressure, producing larger volumes with different flavor profiles. Espresso emphasizes intensity, body, and concentration, while other methods often highlight clarity, complexity, and nuanced flavors. Both use the same beans, but brewing method dramatically affects the result.