Method for making a catalyst composition used in the production of lower aliphatic alcohols

A method for preparing a catalyst composition is disclosed. In particular, a support is vacuum impregnated with at least one catalytically active element and, thereafter, the vacuum impregnated support is calcined to provide the catalyst composition. Preferably, the vacuum impregnation of the support is performed in a two-step sequence by (a) vacuum impregnating said support with said at least one element and, thereafter, calcining said support, and (b) vacuum impregnating said support with at least one other element. The catalyst composition prepared by the prescribed method is preferably used in a process for producing a mixture of lower aliphatic alcohols.