A new synthesis of (S)-3-amino-4-methoxy-butan-1-ol is reported. The synthesis is based on the preparation of the primary, nonprotected enamine of the commercially available β-keto ester methyl 4-methoxy-3-oxo-butanoate and asymmetric catalytic enamine hydrogenation using a Ru-MeOBIPHEP catalyst. Alternatively, the process is performed by asymmetric catalytic reductive amination of the β-keto ester