The aim of this work was to propose the methods for gold introduction during the preparation of monolithic catalysts and to investigate their effect on catalyst properties. Two types of catalysts were prepared: (i) monoliths washcoated with gold/ceria-zirconia powder, and (ii) gold deposited on the monoliths washcoated with ceria-zirconia powder. An important part of the work was the characterization of the catalysts, in particular Au particle size and redox properties. Catalytic performance and selectivity were evaluated using ethanol gas-phase oxidation. It was shown that the enhanced reducibility of the catalysts with higher Au dispersion leads to improved catalytic performance. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.