An epiglottic abscess is a rare, life-threatening cause of acute airway obstruction with a mortality of 30%, requiring immediate management with a multidisciplinary specialist team. Since HiB immunisation was introduced epiglottitis and epiglottic abscess incidence has dramatically reduced, though it has risen again in recent times due to other pathogens.We present a case of a 45-year-old gentleman who presented with odynophagia, throat pain and reduced oral intake. He was diagnosed using CT imaging with contrast and flexible nasolaryngoscopy and commenced on IV antibiotics and steroids. Definitive management of the airway was achieved with an awake fibreoptic intubation (AFOI) with tracheostomy set on standby. He underwent a second washout in theatres day 6 and was extubated day 7. Prior to discharge, he experienced postextubation dysphagia that fully recovered prior to his discharge day 13. This paper explores the need for prompt securing of the airway, the advantages of AFOI and the post-operative course of epiglottic abscesses.