What is the difference between espresso roast and filter roast coffee beans?

Espresso roasts are typically medium to dark, reducing acidity and increasing body and sweetness — flavors that hold up well when concentrated and mixed with milk. Filter roasts are often lighter, preserving more origin flavors, fruity acidity, and complexity that shines in a dilute brew like pour over. Light-roast beans can be pulled as espresso (third-wave style) but require adjusted technique — finer grind, higher temperature, and often longer extraction.