This disclosure generally relates to methods for producing catalyst compositions, which may include forming a precursor solution comprising a silicon-containing material, an aluminum-containing material, and a quaternary amine, hydrothermally treating the precursor solution at a first temperature to form an intermediate mixture, hydrothermally treating the intermediate mixture at a second temperature to form beta zeolite, wherein the first temperature is less than the second temperature by at least 200° C., forming an extrudable mixture comprising the beta zeolite, alumina, a metal precursor, and a binder, extruding the extrudable mixture to form extrudates, and calcining the extrudates to form the catalyst composition.