Phillip Ashley Rix started out by selling his chocolates from the trunk of his four-door sedan. Now he’s got a partnership with one of the most legendary names in automotive history: In June, Rix was named the exclusive chocolatier of Cadillac.
The Phillip Ashley brand, based in Memphis, has built its success on unorthodox flavor pairings that—somehow, as if by magic—work. The effect on the tongue is always a bit of a surprise. When you bite into his Top Shelf Margarita chocolate, for example, you first taste the kosher salt that’s been dusted on the bottom, then a burst of aged tequila and lime, and the experience rounds out in the sweetness of white chocolate.
His Fried Chicken chocolate contains actual pieces of crackling made from deep-frying chicken skins. The addition of smoked sea salt and blond chocolate balances the savory with the sweet. Each bite-sized square packs a unique filling encased in a decorative chocolate shell.
Detail of Phillip Ashley Chocolates
Phillip Ashley chocolates.Photographer: Diana King for Bloomberg Pursuits
In his partnership with Cadillac, Rix created a custom collection for the brand’s electric car, Celestiq. It includes some not-totally-crazy flavors such as saffron vanilla bean and blood orange guava. Still, there’s a black truffle fig, 100-year balsamic, and Rogue Creamery blue cheese. Rix also provided signature chocolates for launch events tied to the 2023 Lyriq and Escalade V-Series.
You might also be interested in: Memphis Restaurants | Best Places to Eat In Memphis Near You
