I've always understood that there is no such thing as an espresso coffee bean, or espresso blend, despite the descriptions some retail vendors place on their coffee. I deal mostly with Burman and Sweet Maria's; each has their own recommendations in their descriptions that sometimes say "good for espresso", but I've never noticed any that said "only good for espresso". Likewise with the roast, there is no such thing as an "espresso roast", again despite the monikers that some vendors place on their products (*bucks used to have one...maybe still does). When I was in Europe for some time many years ago, I had my first espresso; the beans were not heavily roasted. But, on returning to NA, and buying espresso, the roasts used were decidedly darker. Now it seems, nearly anything goes over here. Since we roast all our own coffee and usually drink espresso-based drinks, we generally buy SO and blends recommended by the vendor as being suitable for espresso and usually roast them to about Full City (i.e., typical European espresso). But, we use them in all our other coffee makers (we've got one of nearly every sort). Works for us.

Cheers,
Maurice