A method for preparing a mixture of lower aliphatic alcohols from the reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of an oxide-containing heavy metal catalyst under carbon monoxide-hydrogenation conditions in which said catalyst comprises an alumina support, at least one heavy metal oxide selected from the group of oxides consisting of molybdenum, tungsten, rhenium, optionally, a heavy metal oxide from the group of elements consisting of cobalt, iron and nickel, and an alkali or alkaline earth promotor which has been treated with a nitrogen-containing compound, or a thermally stable derivative thereof is provided.