Zr-Beta zeolite was prepared by a two-step post-synthesis method involving dealumination of Al-Beta followed by wet impregnation with Zr(NO3)(4). Compared with Zr-Beta formed under fluoride-mediated hydrothermal conditions, the post-synthesized samples had smaller particle size and stronger Lewis acidity. The materials were tested as catalysts for Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley reduction. In the reduction of 4-tert-butylcyclohexanone, it exhibited the same excellent stereoselectivity toward cis-4-tert-butylcyclohexanol (>99%) as the HF-synthesized Zr-Beta, but had a lower TOF. Because of the higher density of zirconium sites and the nanosized crystallites, it was a more effective catalyst for the MPV reduction of 1,4-cyclohexanedione, bulky aldehydes and aromatic ketones. However, it is more susceptible to poisoning by water adsorption because of its hydrophilic nature. The easily scalable synthesis method allows a faster preparation of metal-substituted Lewis acid zeolites, although differences in textural and chemical properties should be taken into consideration when the material is applied as a catalyst. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.